Thymine-functionalised siloxanes: Model compounds and polymers

A novel, efficient synthetic method for the production of organosiloxane polymers functionalised with pendant DNA bases, typified by thymine, is reported. A condensation reaction between an α-amino-ω-alkylsilane or an amino-functionalised siloxane with aldehyde-functionalised thymine gave polymers in higher overall yields than the methods previously reported. Variation in the loading of thymine led to a range of material properties from a highly viscous fluid at 0.2% functionalization to a hard, brittle solid at 20% loading due to hydrogen bonding interactions.