Synthesis and Characterization of Telechelic Block Co-polymers by Combination of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and Click Chemistry Processes

Abstract

Hydroxyl functional telechelic block co-polymers, namely α-ω-dihydroxy-poly(styrene-b-tert-butylacrylate) (HO-P(St-b-tBA)-OH) and α-ω-dihydroxy-poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (HO-P(St-b-MMA)-OH), with well-defined structures and high functionality were synthesized by combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and click chemistry. Hydroxyl and acetylene functional initiators were used in ATRP of styrene (St), and methyl methacrylate (MMA) or t-butylacrylate (tBA) respectively. The bromide terminal group of the hydroxyl functional polystyrene was then converted to an azide group for the subsequent click reaction. Following the first click reaction, these block co-polymers were reacted with propargyl alcohol to incorporate hydroxyl functionality at the other chain-end. The intermediates at various stages and final polymers were characterized by spectral methods.