With ether pendant groups deprotection

Aldol group transfer polymerization of ferf-butyldimethylsilyl vinyl ether [62] was initiated by pendant aldehyde functions incorporated along a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) backbone [63]. This backbone was a random copolymer prepared by group transfer polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acetal protected 5-methacryloxy valeraldehyde. After deprotection of the aldehyde initiating group, polymerization proceeded by activation with zinc halide in THF at room temperature. The reaction led to a graft copolymer with PMMA backbone and poly(silyl vinyl ether) or, upon hydrolysis of the ferf-butyldimethylsilyl groups, poly(vinyl alcohol) branches. 

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