Synthesis and photopolymerization of vinyl ether and epoxy-functionalized silicones

dThe reactive precursors, vinyl ethers, and epoxy-silicones, were synthesized. The vinyl ether monomers were prepared from primary alcohol and ethyl vinyl ether with mercury (II) acetate. The epoxy-functionalized silicones have been achieved by the controlled, rhodium-catalyzed, chemoselective hydrosilation of vinyl ether with siloxanes or silane. It was shown that the hydrosilation proceeds exclusively at the vinyl ether group of alkenyl vinyl ether without participation at the alkenyl group. The photoinduced cationic polymerization of these monomers was studied and found to be all highly reactive.