[alin823]

Hi all,

I am planning to change a Methoxy group (H3CO) on the polyether to hydroxyl group (OH).
Is there anyone having convenient way to do that?
Thanks

[Dan]

I don't know much about polymer chemistry, but I imagine this is going to be very difficult indeed. Which polyether are you working with?

In a polyether functionalised with methoxy residues, there is only one functional group present in the whole polymer - ether linkages. While the methyl ethers will be more susceptible to HI/TMSI/BBr₃ etc.-type procedures, all ethers are vulnerable under these conditions and I suspect that getting decent selectivity will be tough.

[alin823]

Thank you so much!
Precise speaking, I have a Methoxy terminated polyetheramine (Jeffamine M-2070).
And, I hope to modify the Methoxy group into Hydroxyl group.
Anyway, I appreciate your time 

[Equilibria]

Polymers isn't really my main field either but one way, hopefully a way that won't destroy your polymer, is to selectively convert the terminal methoxy group to an enol ether - That way you could use mild acid hydrolysis and then Sodium Borohydride or LithAl. Of course, without seeing the structure I can't say whether or not that strategy would be appropriate for your molecule but I hope that helps a little.

[alin823]

Thanks a lot!
I post a link of its structure. The methoxy group on the left side is the one I want to modify. Thanks

Jeffamine M2070 structure:

http://www.huntsman.com/performance_products/Media/JEFFAMINE_M-2070_US_%282-08%29.pdf

[Equilibria]

Ah, it's a bit different to how I imagined. My former housemate is doing her PhD in polymer chemistry so I'll bring the PDF to the lab with me next time I go in (probably Wed/Thurs) and I'll ask her if she can suggest some strategies - consider my interest peaked. I'll let you know how it goes!

[alin823]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it 

[Equilibria]

So sorry alin823, I can't seem to get a hold of her. She's been on a research trip for the last couple of months and I really thought she'd be back by now. I'll keep trying but I'm really not sure when it will happen.

[orgopete]

Given the structure, I would suggest repeating the commercial synthesis and use something more easily removed than an methyl ether. I found a number of interesting structures available, although not the same length that could be converted to your desired structure.

I would look for a diol that you could replace one of the OH groups with an amine rather than remove the methyl ether.

I am guessing you are seeking properties and not a specific compound?