Facile, versatile and efficient synthesis of functional polysiloxanes via thiol–ene chemistry

[Display omitted] ► Various functional polysiloxanes were prepared via thiol–ene reaction under high-intense ultraviolet (UV) condition. ► This modification reaction was carried out under a mild condition without metal catalysts. ► The resulting functional polysiloxanes maintained the excellent thermal stability of traditional polysiloxane. Polysiloxanes are unique hybrid inorganic and semi-inorganic polymers that have a wide range of applications in industries. In this study, we report a facile and efficient approach to prepare functional polysiloxanes via thiol–ene reaction. The functional polysiloxanes were characterized and confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR, GPC, TGA and DSC. Influence of thiol and vinyl structure over reaction rate was analyzed. The proportion of α- and β-addition product was also determined by 1H NMR. GPC analysis showed that the molecular-weight distribution of polysiloxanes cannot be disturbed in thiol–ene reaction.