CHEMICAL METHODS FOR PREPARATION OF COVALENT ADAPTABLE NETWORKS

A process for forming covalently cross-linked macromolecular networks, comprising reacting a compound of Formula (I), defined as R1-L-X-R3, with a compound of Formula (II), defined as HZ-R2, to form a macromolecular compound of Formula (III), defined as R1-L-Y, wherein R1 represents a macromolecular polymer backbone, L represents an aryl or arylalkyl, R2 independently represents an optionally substituted branched or linear C1-C10 alkane, a C2-C10 alkene, a C2-C10 alkyne, wherein the optional substituent is a second HZ-moiety or a carboxylic ester moiety, R3 represents CF3, H or C1-C10 alkane, X represents -C(O)-, -C(O)-C(CH2)- or -C(CH2)-C(O)-, Y represents -C(OH)(R3)-Z-R2, -C(O)-CH(R3)-CH2-Z-R2 or -CH(C(O)R3)-CH2-Z-R2; and Z represents S or NH. A covalently connected adaptable network formed by the process is also described.