Synthesis of Boratrane-pendant Random Copolymers by Side-chain Modification

Random copolymers bearing triethanolamine borate (TEAB) groups in the side chains were investigated as the first example of boratrane-containing polymers. The title polymers were synthesized via two steps of polymer reactions from random copolymers of styrene and glycidyl methacrylate. The obtained polymers exhibited superior thermal properties compared to the precursor polymers owing to the rigid cage structures of TEAB. The pendant TEAB groups were relatively stable to hydrolysis, but were quantitatively hydrolyzed in the presence of fluoride anions.