Preparation of polymers with polycarbonate sequences and their depolymerization; an example of thermodynamic recycling

Initiators based on hydroxytelechelic polyethylene oxide, polytetrahydrofuran and polydimethylsiloxane were used for the anionic ring‐opening polymerization of 2.2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate (DTC). Under suitable conditions high yields of block copolymers of the AB and ABA types were obtained, depending on the initiator used. Ring‐closing depolymerization of poly(2.2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate) [poly(DTC)] and of copolymers containing poly(DTC) blocks with catalysts based on potassium or tin results under suitable conditions in DTC.