Polysilylether: A Degradable Polymer from Biorenewable Feedstocks

Abstract The synthesis of polysilylethers (PSEs) using a monomer derived from a biorenewable feedstock is reported. The AB‐type monomer was synthesized from undecenoic acid through hydrosilylation and reduction, and the polymerization was catalyzed by earth‐abundant metal salts. High‐molar‐mass products were achieved, and the degree of polymerization was controlled by varying the amount of an AA‐type monomer in the reaction. The PSEs possess good thermal stability and a low glass‐transition temperature ( T g ≈−67 °C). To demonstrate the utility of the PSEs, polyurethanes were synthesized from low‐molar‐mass hydroxy‐telechelic PSEs.