Chemical methods for preparation of covalent adaptable networks

A process for forming covalently cross-linked macromolecular networks, comprising:

• reacting a compound of Formula (I), defined as R1-L-X—R3, with a compound of Formula (II), defined as HZ-R2, to form a macromolecular compound of Formula (III), defined as R1-L-Y;
• wherein:
• R1 represents a macromolecular polymer backbone,
• L represents an aryl or an arylalkyl,
• R2 independently represents an optionally substituted branched or linear C1-C10 alkane, or a C2-C10 alkene, or a C2-C10 alkyne, wherein the optional substituent is a second HZ-moiety or a carboxylic ester moiety,
• R3 represents CF3, H or C1-C10 alkane,
• X represents —C(O)—, —C(O)—C(CH2)— or —C(CH2)—C(O)—,
• Y represents —C(OH)(R3)—Z—R2, —C(O)—CH(R3)—CH2—Z—R2 or —CH(C(O)R3)—CH2—Z—R2;
• and
• Z represents S or NH.

A covalently connected adaptable network formed by a process comprising:

• reacting a compound of Formula (I), defined as R1-L-X—R3, with a compound of Formula (II), defined as HZ-R2, to form a macromolecular compound of Formula (III), defined as R1-L-Y;
• wherein:
• R1 represents a macromolecular polymer backbone,
• L represents an aryl or an arylalkyl,
• R2 independently represents an optionally substituted branched or linear C1-C10 alkane, or a C2-C10 alkene, or a C2-C10 alkyne, wherein the optional substituent is a second HZ-moiety or a carboxylic ester moiety,
• R3 represents CF3, H or C1-C10 alkane,
• X represents —C(O)—, —C(O)—C(CH2)— or —C(CH2)—C(O)—,
• Y represents —C(OH)(R3)—Z—R2, —C(O)—CH(R3)—CH2—Z—R2 or —CH(C(O)R3)—(CH2)—Z—R2;
• and
• Z represents S or NH.