Abstract
We describe a synthetic pathway to tailor-made amphiphilic macromonomers by a combination of anionic ring-opening polymerization and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Linear polyglycerol and poly(glyceryl glycerol) were synthesized in a controlled manner by anionic ring-opening polymerization of ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether or isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether, respectively, with narrow and monomodal molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn < 1.20) and molecular weights ranging from 850 g mol-1 to 2500 g mol-1. After end-capping with propargyl bromide and removal of the protecting groups, the hydrophilic precursors were quantitatively clicked to a series of hydrophobic azido alkyl methacrylates by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition obtaining well-defined macromonomers with adjustable amphiphilic properties. Radical polymerization of these amphiphiles afforded graft copolymers with molecular weights up to 470000 g mol-1 (SEC-MALLS in DMF).
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 899-909 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Polymer chemistry |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Feb 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |