Question

Draw a short segment of the polymer formed from cationic polymerization of 3,3-dimethyloxacyclobutane.

Short answer

The mechanism for cationic polymerization is given below.

Step-by-step solution

Cationic polymerization

Cationic polymerization constitutes the polymerization where the electrophile functions as the initiator and incorporates the monomer leading to the creation of a carbocation. The initiator frequently used in this reaction is BF₃.

Short segment of the polymer formed from cationic polymerization of 3,3-dimethyloxacyclobutane

The initiator used for this polymerization is BF₃, and in the polymerization, the electrophile adds to the sp² carbon connected to most hydrogens. The ability to undergo cationic polymerization will depend on the stability of carbocation.

The presence of an electron releasing group in the compound increase the carbocation stability.

3,3-dimethyloxacyclobutane undergoes a cationic mechanism as shown below.

Cationic polymerization of 3,3-dimethyloxacyclobutane

The short segment of the polymer generated from cationic polymerization of 3,3-dimethyloxacyclobutane is shown above.