# Boosting PVC reactivity through iodination for CO2-derived functionalization

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a sustainable method to modify PVC using iodination and CO2-based reactions, making the process greener and more efficient.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is a fourfold improvement in CO2 incorporation into PVC through iodination and SN2 substitution using CO2BAM.

## Key findings

- Iodination of PVC occurs efficiently under mild and sustainable conditions using phase-transfer catalysis.
- SN2 substitution with CO2BAM improves CO2 incorporation into PVC fourfold compared to prior methods.
- The modified PVC remains fully soluble, indicating a practical and effective structural modification approach.

## Abstract

Aqueous phase-transfer catalysis enables selective iodination of PVC under mild and sustainable conditions. Subsequent reaction with a DBU-based CO2-binding amine (CO2BAM) achieves efficient SN2 substitution at CH–X centers, improving CO2 incorporation fourfold relative to previous CO2BAL strategies. The polymer remains fully soluble, demonstrating a greener, safer, and effective approach to PVC structural modification.

PVC iodination via phase-transfer catalysis and subsequent reaction with CO2BAMs opens new possibilities for simultaneous PVC and CO2 upcycling