Radical Copolymerization of 2‐Thiocyanatoethyl Substituted Acrylate to Introduce Thiol‐Acrylate‐Based Dynamic Bonds as Degradable Linker

ABSTRACT We employ the 1,4‐cyano group migration radical polymerization strategy to copolymerize acrylates with 2‐thiocyanate ethyl substituted acrylates. The radical copolymerization can be effectively controlled using reversible addition−fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization. This approach can incorporate thiol‐acrylate‐based dynamic bonds within the polymer main chain. Utilizing these dynamic bonds, we degrade the polymers under mild basic conditions, achieved with the assistance of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) to facilitate the reversible thiol‐Michael addition. Notably, high degradation efficiency is observed. This study exemplifies the application of 2‐thiocyanate ethyl substituted acrylate in radical copolymerization to produce degradable polymers.