A degradable cross-linked polymer containing dynamic covalent selenide bond

A new method for preparing a degradable cross-linked polymer containing dynamic selenide was demonstrated. 1,2-Bis(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-vinylphenyl)diselane (FVPDSe) was synthesized and used as a photoinitiator, mediator and dynamic covalent cross-linker to prepare cross-linked polymers via reversible-deactivation radical polymerization with vinyl monomers such as styrene, methyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate. After oxidation by hydrogen peroxide, the structure of the cross-linked polymer obtained from the copolymerization of FVPDSe with styrene was carefully analyzed using 1H, 13C, 19F, and 77Se NMR and SEC. In addition, the “livingness” of the obtained cross-linked polymers was also investigated.