Cobalt-Catalyzed Light-Induced Hydroaminocarbonylative Polymerization of Olefins toward Aliphatic Polyamides

Aliphatic AABB-type polyamides are widely used engineering materials; however, their synthesis typically relies on the polycondensation of diamines and diacids, a method constrained by harsh conditions, limited monomer diversity, and poor functional group compatibility. Herein, we report a cobalt-catalyzed hydroaminocarbonylative polymerization that enables the direct synthesis of aliphatic polyamides from olefins and amines under mild conditions. This strategy achieves complete atom economy, operates with high efficiency, and accommodates a broad range of monomers, enabling access to materials analogous to commercially relevant polyamides as well as structurally diverse variants with versatile functionalities. Collectively, this work expands the synthetic toolbox for functional polyamides from simple feedstocks using inexpensive transition-metal catalysis.