Synthesis and Ring-Opening Polymerization of 1,2-Disubstituted Cyclobutanes

1,1-Dicyano-2-ethoxycyclobutane (1a) was prepared by [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of vinylidene cyanide with ethyl vinyl ether. 1,1-Dicyano-2-phenylcyclobutane (1b) was prepared by the reactions involving the reduction of cinnamyl alcohol, chlorination, cyanomethylation, bromination, and ring-closure reaction. Compound 1a was ring-opening polymerized with NaCN or n-butyllithium to give a low molecular weight polymer. The compound 1b however, failed to polymerize by either anionic or radical catalysts.