The Synthesis and Ring-opening Polymerization of N-Substituted 2-Iminotetrahydrofurans

Various N-substituted 2-iminotetrahydrofurans are prepared from 2,2-diethoxytetrahydrofuran and corresponding amines. N-Substituted 2-iminotetrahydrofurans give N-substituted polyamides by ring-opening polymerization when treated with a catalytic amount of boron trifluoride etherate. On the other hand, 2-methylenetetrahydrofuran undergoes mainly a vinyl-type polymerization.