Switchable Polymerization from Monomer Mixtures to Synthesize Oxygen-Rich Block Copolymers with Dual Recyclability and Degradability.

Switchable catalysis from monomer mixtures has been emerging as a powerful technique to synthesize various useful block copolymers, yet represents a significant challenge in polymer chemistry. Herein, we present the synthesis of well-defined polyacetal/polycarbonate block copolymers through switchable polymerization from mixtures of terminal epoxides, internal epoxides, o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) and CO. The exclusive chemoselectivity of terminal epoxide or internal epoxide was achieved by controlling the reaction atmosphere.