Cationic ring‐opening polymerization of bicyclic amide acetals

Abstract Various bicyclic amide acetals were synthesized from the cycloaddition reactions of 2‐substituted‐2‐oxazolines with styrene oxide. Ring‐opening polymerization of the bicyclic amide acetals occurred upon heating in the presence of methyl tosylate. Characterization of the bicyclic amide acetals and their polymers was accomplished by NMR and elemental analysis. Vapor pressure osmometry showed the highest polymer molecular weight was only 2,400. The mechanisms for cycloaddition and polymerization are discussed. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.