Perfectly AB‐alternating copolymers via alternating diene metathesis polymerization: one‐step synthesis,characterization and properties

Perfectly alternating copolymers with functional phosphate groups were synthesized via reacting diacrylates with terminal dienes using alternating diene metathesis polymerization, showing a controllable polymerization characteristic which was evidenced by changing the relative stoichiometry of the two monomers. The compositional analysis and the sequence structural information of the polymers obtained from ¹H NMR spectra demonstrated that the resulting copolymers possessed strictly alternating structure. In addition, the thermal and flame‐retardant properties of the alternating copolymers were investigated, indicating favorable thermal degradation and flame retardancy which is an important feature for future applications. This special combination of the benefits of metathesis polymerization and phosphorus chemistry is a highly versatile system for materials in many applications. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry