by Phillips and his research group, where they used an allyl formate endcap that stoichiometrically depolymerized within minutes upon its exposure to a catalytic amount of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (Pd(PPh3)4). Health and safety According to the safety data sheet of PPA, it should not be allowed in contact with the skin or eyes as it may lead to skin, eye, and respiratory irritations or allergic reactions. In addition, as some unfunctionalized PPA are unstable at temperatures even lower than room temperature, it is important to note that PPA should be stored at temperatures below -10 °C under inert atmosphere and away from sunlight, moisture, and heat, but with proper ventilation. Since the depolymerization of PPA is greatly studied in its applications, it is important to also note the possible safety concerns of its monomer. In addition to the abovementioned hazards of PPA, phthalaldehyde is very toxic if swallowed and for aquatic life. References Polymer chemistry Smart materials Soft matter