The preparation and polymerization of suberaldehyde

A study of the controlled polymerization of suberaldehyde has been carried out. The monomer was prepared by a new route, the catalytic reduction of the ozonate of cyclooctene. By the proper choice of catalyst and conditions, three different types of polymers could be prepared from suberaldehyde. A Tischenko condensation resulted in a pure linear polyester. The sodium hydroxide‐catalyzed polymerization of the aldehyde produced an aldol condensation polymer that was partially crosslinked through hemiacetal groups. The use of carbonyl polymerization catalysts such as triethylaluminum and boron trifluoride etherate, resulted in a polyacetal type of polymer containing free pendent carbonyl groups.