Photodegradable copolymers synthesis

The synthesis of photodegradable copolymers of olefins with carbon monoxide and ketones are shown schematically below, when R = C0H5 the monomer is styrene, and R = H the monomer is ethylene (Scott, 1973 Cooney, 1981 Guillet, 1990). 

The copolymers of carbon monoxide with olefins are of considerable importance from several different standpoints. These include the low price and ready availability of carbon monoxide, the enhanced photodegradability of the copolymers, and their easy chemical conversion to other classes of functionalized polymers. This review summarizes the chemistry involved in the synthesis, characterization, degradation and the derivatization of the copolymers. In addition, work on the spectral characterization of the copolymers have been cited. 

This degradation reaction, supplemented by various subsequent oxidation steps, has found renewed interest in the form of the introduction of photodegrad-able plastics as part of the campaign to reduce plastic litter from throwaway packaging. Although as yet there has been no demand for photodegradable mb-bers, the incorporation of a small percentage of a vinyl ketone into a rubber copolymer or homopolymer would open the way to a useful synthesis of block copolymers. 

The synthesis, properties and applications of ethylene-carbon monoxide (E/CO) copolymers are described. These photodegradable polymers are now used to control plastic litter caused by polyethylene loop carriers for beverage cans which have been reported to entangle and endanger wildlife. 

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