Data from: Circularity in polydiketoenamine thermoplastics via control over reactive chain conformation

Controlling the reactivity of bonds along polymer chains enables both
functionalization and deconstruction with relevance to chemical recycling
and circularity. Because the substrate is a macromolecule, however,
understanding the effects of chain conformation on the reactivity of
polymer bonds emerges as important, yet underexplored. Here, we show how
oxy-functionalization of chemically recyclable condensation polymers
affects acidolysis to monomers through control over distortion and
interaction energies in the rate-limiting transition states.
Oxy-functionalization of polydiketoenamines at specific sites on either
the amine or triketone monomer segments increased acidolysis rates by over
three orders of magnitude, opening the door to efficient deconstruction of
linear chain architectures. These insights substantially broaden the scope
of applications for polydiketoenamines in a circular manufacturing
economy, including chemically recyclable adhesives for a diverse range of
surfaces.