Several degradable poly(silyl ether)s (PSEs) have been synthesized by dehydrogenative cross-coupling between bio-based 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitols (isosorbide and isomannide) and commercially available hydrosilanes. An air-stable manganese salen nitrido complex [Mn N(salen-3,5-tBu )] was employed as the catalyst. High-molecular-weight polymer was obtained from isosorbide and diphenylsilane (M up to 17000 g mol ). Thermal analysis showed that these PSEs possessed high thermal stability with thermal decomposition temperatures (T ) of 347-446 °C and glass transition temperatures of 42-120 °C. Structure-property analysis suggested that steric bulk and molecular weight have a significant influence to determine the thermal properties of synthesized polymers. Importantly, these polymers were degraded effectively to small molecules under acidic and basic hydrolysis conditions.

The Cover Feature illustrates the synthesis of a series of thermally stable and hydrolytically degradable poly(silylether)s from biomass‐derived isohexides and moisture stable hydrosilanes. The polymerization reaction is of step growth type and is catalyzed by an air stable salen complex based on earth abundant, inexpensive, and biocompatible manganese. More information can be found in the Full Paper by Vijjamarri et al. on page 2881 in Issue 17, 2018 (DOI: 10.1002/cssc.201801123).