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We report a self-immolative polymer (SIP) that generates a fluorescent response upon metathesis depolymerization. Functionally distinct from other degradable polymers, SIPs offer the ability to release many subunits per one signal molecule, making them advantageous for a variety of applications such as molecular detection and signal amplification. Utilizing robust copper(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) chemistry to orthogonally functionalize alkynes, fluorophore coumarin and quencher 4-((4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)azo) (DABCYL) were efficiently installed as side chains on the SIP. The depolymerization mediated by Grubbs 3rd-generation (G3) organoruthenium initiator enabled a fluorescence turn-on response under nanomolar SIP concentrations. To demonstrate the utility of the fluorogenic SIP, we showed a temperature-dependent fluorescence turn-on of this metathesis-triggered SIP using a thermally responsive Grubbs 2nd-generation (G2) organoruthenium initiator. 

Controlling the structure and reactivity of the chain-end group is a central objective in modern polymer chemistry. Here, we introduce 3,6-anhydrogalactal as a single-addition monomer that enables efficient and versatile chain-end functionalization of metathesis polymers. Readily synthesized from biomass-derived galactal, 3,6-anhydrogalactal exhibits excellent single-addition reactivity, allowing precise chain-end modifications even when introduced simultaneously with the propagating monomer. Theoretical calculations provide mechanistic insights into the unique reactivities governing its single-addition behavior. Its broad functional group compatibility facilitates diverse applications, including block copolymer synthesis, polymer-polymer coupling, and bioconjugation, demonstrating significant potential for advancing polymer materials and bioconjugation strategies.