Propenyl ethers. I. The synthesis of propenyl ether monomers

A variety of mono‐, di‐, and multifunctional propenyl ethers were readily prepared in high yields by the condensation of alcohols with allyl halides followed by the base or transition metal‐catalyzed rearrangement of the corresponding allyl ethers. Their straightforward synthesis and high reactivity in cationic UV curing make these monomers highly attractive for a variety of applications. The successful photopolymerization of these monomers has required the synthesis of specially tailored onium salt photoinitiators.