Anionic ring-opening polymerization behavior of trans-cyclohexene carbonate using metal tert-butoxides: Construction of living anionic ring-opening polymerization by lithium tert-butoxide

Anionic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) behavior of trans-cyclohexene carbonate (CHC) using metal alkoxides as initiators was investigated. As a result, lithium tert-butoxide-initiated ROP of CHC with a high-monomer concentration (10 M) at low temperature (−15 to −10°C) proceeded to afford a poly(trans-cyclohexene carbonate) (PCHC) without undesired side reactions such as mainly backbiting. The suppression of side reactions enables the control of the molecular weight (M_n = 2400–6100) of PCHC with low molar-mass dispersity values (M_w/M_n = 1.16–1.22). Furthermore, by increasing the feed ratio of the monomer to the initiator, the molecular weight increases proportionally, indicating a controllable polymerization. The results of a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis, a kinetic study, and a chain extension experiment suggested a living nature of this ROP using lithium tert-butoxide.     

Atom transfer radical polymerization of vinyl monomers in the presence of tetraethylthiuram disulfide

In situ ATRPs of MMA, St in the presence of TD catalyzed by FeCl₃/PPh₃ and CuBr₂/bpy have been studied, respectively. The results showed that the initiator Et₂NCS₂X (X = Cl or Br) and catalyst FeCl₂ or CuBr were formed in situ from the initiating components and the polymerization exhibited living radical polymerization characteristics. In the case of St polymerization with TD/CuBr/bpy initiating system, an inverse ATRP was observed.     

“Living” free radical ring-opening copolymerization of 4,7-dimethyl-2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane and conventional vinyl monomers

It is the first report on the atom transfer radical ring-opening copolymerizations of unsaturated cyclic acetal: 4,7-dimethyl-2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (DMMDO) with conventional vinyl monomers, styrene (St), acrylonitrile (AN) and methyl acrylate (MA) in the presence of ethyl α-bromobutyrate as initiator and CuBr/2,2^′-bipyridyl as catalyst/ligand at 110 °C. ¹H, ¹³C NMR and IR data show that the copolymerizations of DMMDO with St (or AN or MA) yield the copolymers, poly(DMMDO-co-St) [or poly(DMMDO-co-AN) or poly(DMMDO-co-MA)] with narrow molecular weight distribution, and low content of DMMDO in the copolymers for electron-donor St, higher contents of DMMDO for electron-acceptor AN or MA are observed.     

Coordinate anionic ring-opening polymerization of oxetanes with aluminum benzyl alcoholate bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolate)

Aluminum benzyl alcoholate bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolate) (BnOAD), which was prepared through the mixing of equimolar amounts of benzyl alcohol and methylaluminum bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenolate) (MAD), successfully polymerized four-membered cyclic ethers in a coordinate anionic ring-opening manner. The polymerization of 3-(4-bromobutoxymethyl)-3-methyloxetane (OxBr) with 5 mol % BnOAD proceeded slowly in toluene at 25 °C and produced sufficiently high-molecular-weight poly(OxBr) in a moderate yield in 24 h. The polymerization was greatly accelerated by the addition of a sterically hindered Lewis acid such as MAD, and this resulted in a nearly quantitative polymer yield within 24 h. In sharp contrast, conventional cationic polymerization with boron trifluoride etherate as a typical Lewis acid initiator produced low-molecular-weight poly(OxBr) along with a substantial amount of the cyclic tetramer. The polymerization of the simplest unsubstituted oxetane with BnOAD resulted in failure. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4570–4579, 2004     

Ultrafast organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization of N-sulfonyl aziridine in the melt

An ultrafast approach for controlled synthesis of well-defined polysulfonamides is established through organocatalytic anionic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-sulfonyl aziridine in the melt. Several different organobases are investigated, and it is found that N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) catalyzed ROP of 2-methyl-N-tosylaziridine (TsMAz) gives the desired polymer, while 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene (DBU) initiate the polymerization along with initiator to produce uncontrolled polymers. Using PMDETA as the catalyst, poly(2-methyl-N-tosylaziridine) with molecular weight over 100 kg/mol can be synthesized in less than 90 s. Various initiators, including carboxylic acid, N-sulfonyl amide, unactivated amine, phenol, and thiol, are applicable for this protocol to give the molecular weight and end-group controlled polymers under the open-flask condition. Combining this ultrafast ROP with ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), a brush copolymer is facile synthesized. This approach allows the ultrafast metal-free synthesis of polysulfonamide and expands the scope of initiators for the ROP of N-sulfonyl aziridines.     

Amphiphilic well-defined degradable star block copolymers by combination of ring-opening polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization: Synthesis and application as drug delivery carriers

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is one of the most popular advanced polymerization techniques in macromolecular science, allowing the synthesis of tailor-made polymers with controlled molecular weight, architecture, composition, and functionality. The combination of ATRP and ring-opening polymerization (ROP) provides a straightforward route for the preparation of polymers exhibiting both targeted and well-defined features and biodegradability, which is very interesting for the development of new materials for biomedical applications. Among the different types of polymer architectures, amphiphilic star block copolymers (BCPs) represent a very attractive one, due to their high degree of functionality at the molecular surface, low hydrodynamic volume and higher encapsulation ability, compared to molecular systems based on linear polymers. This review article highlights the research focused on the synthesis of amphiphilic well-defined degradable star BCPs by combination of ROP and ATRP, with particular focus on the development of polymers for biomedical applications, such as anticancer drug delivery, diagnosis therapy, or photodynamic therapy, which is the most investigated field regarding these polymers.     

Synthesis of a ‐shaped amphiphilic block copolymer by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and living anionic polymerization

The functionalization of monomer units in the form of macroinitiators in an orthogonal fashion yields more predictable macromolecular architectures and complex polymers. Therefore, a new ‐shaped amphiphilic block copolymer, (PMMA)₂–PEO–(PS)₂–PEO–(PMMA)₂ [where PMMA is poly(methyl methacrylate), PEO is poly (ethylene oxide), and PS is polystyrene], has been designed and successfully synthesized by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and living anionic polymerization. The synthesis of meso‐2,3‐dibromosuccinic acid acetate/diethylene glycol was used to initiate the polymerization of styrene via ATRP to yield linear (HO)₂–PS₂ with two active hydroxyl groups by living anionic polymerization via diphenylmethylpotassium to initiate the polymerization of ethylene oxide. Afterwards, the synthesized miktoarm‐4 amphiphilic block copolymer, (HO–PEO)₂–PS₂, was esterified with 2,2‐dichloroacetyl chloride to form a macroinitiator that initiated the polymerization of methyl methacrylate via ATRP to prepare the ‐shaped amphiphilic block copolymer. The polymers were characterized with gel permeation chromatography and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 147–156, 2007     

Catalytic‐chain‐transfer polymerization of styrene revisited: The importance of monomer purification and polymerization conditions

The cobaloxime‐mediated catalytic‐chain‐transfer polymerization of styrene at 60 °C was studied with an emphasis on the effects of monomer purification and polymerization conditions. Commonly used purification methods, such as column chromatography and simple vacuum distillation, were not adequate for obtaining kinetic data to be used in mechanistic modeling. A purification regime involving inhibitor removal with basic alumina, followed by polymerization of the styrene in the presence of the cobaloxime and subsequent vacuum distillation, was found to be essential to this end. It was then possible to quantitatively investigate effects such as the initiator concentration and conversion dependencies of the apparent chain‐transfer constant that resulted from the occurrence of cobalt–carbon bond formation. A value of about 9 × 10³ was found for the true chain‐transfer constant to cobaloxime boron fluoride, that is, its value in the absence of cobalt–carbon bond formation. Furthermore, previous predictions were confirmed: the measured chain‐transfer constant decreased with increasing initiator concentration and conversion. Finally, it was confirmed that the presence of light increased the amount of free Co(II) catalyst in agreement with other studies. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 752–765, 2003     

Cationic polymerization of vinyl monomers initiated by 10-methylphenothiazine cation radicals

A small quantity of 10-methylphenothiazine cation radical (MPT^.+), electrochemically prepared and stocked in acetonitrile solution, initiated cationic polymerizations of n-butyl, t-butyl, and 2-methoxyethyl vinyl ethers and p-methoxystyrene, while no initiation occurred for phenyl vinyl ether, styrene, methyl methacrylate, and phenyl glycidyl ether. ¹H-NMR studies of oligomers and low molecular weight compounds isolated from the reaction mixture for the polymerization of t-butyl vinyl ether in the presence of a small amount of D₂O indicated that electron transfer from the monomer to MPT^.+ was involved in the initiation step. ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR and MO calculation implied that monomers with higher electron densities on the vinyl groups and with lower ionization potentials were more susceptible to the initiation of MPT^.+. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Functional polymers by living anionic polymerization

The application of living anionic polymerization techniques for the functionalization of polymers and block copolymers is reviewed. The attachment of functional groups to polymeric chains of predetermined lengths and narrow molecular weight distributions is described. Carboxyls, hydroxyls, amines, halogens, double bonds, and many other functional groups can be placed at one or two ends in the center or evenly spaced along polymeric chains. Subsequent transformations of the functional groups further contribute to the versatility of such treatments. General methods based on the use, as terminators, of substituted haloalkanes, as well as the addition of living polymers or their initiators to diphenylethylenes, substituted with appropriate functional groups or molecules, are discussed. Another approach, based on the living polymerization of monomers with protected functional groups, is also discussed. It has been used for the preparation of polymers and copolymers with evenly spaced functional groups. The combination of living anionic polymerization techniques with controlled radical and cationic polymerizations is also described. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 2116–2133, 2002     

Synthesis and radical ring-opening polymerization behavior of vinylcyclopropane bearing six-membered cyclic acetal moiety

Synthesis and radical ring-opening polymerization of vinylcyclopropane bearing six-membered cyclic acetal moiety, 1-vinyl-4,8-dioxaspiro[2.5]octane (1), were carried out. 1 was prepared by the reaction of 1,1-dichloro-2-vinylcyclopropane and 1,3-propanediol in DMF in the presence of a base. Radical polymerization of 1 was carried out in the presence of an appropriate initiator (3 mol % vs. 1) at 60 and 120°C in degassed sealed ampoules for 20 h. A colorless transparent viscous polymer was obtained by the isolation with preparative HPLC. The structure of poly(1) was determined to consist of two 1,5-ring-opened units and a unit bearing no olefinic moiety. The difference of the activation energies for the ring-opening reaction of the cyclopropane ring calculated by the molecular orbital method could explain the selectivity in the direction of the cleavage of the cyclopropane ring. Acid hydrolysis of poly(1) afforded the corresponding polyketone in quantitative conversion. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

New results of the free radical ring-opening polymerization

The reaction of 5-ring ketene-O, N-acetals with peroxides was investigated. It was shown that benzoyl peroxide adds to monomers 5a and 5b by ring opening, giving the corresponding linear diester amides 6a and 6b , respectively. The ketene-O,N-acetal 5c adds benzoyl peroxide, without ring opening, by addition to the exomethylene group, giving the cyclic-O,N-acetal diester 6c . With phthaloyl peroxide cyclic esteramides 7 and oligomeric products are formed. The chemical structures of the addition products were confirmed by NMR spectra and elemental analysis. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Electrochemical approaches for better understanding of atom transfer radical polymerization

Electrochemistry strongly contributed to deepen the understanding and predictability of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) outcomes. Several electrochemical tools have been used to determine thermodynamic and kinetic parameters that are hardly accessible by other techniques. The electrochemical methods presented in this brief review were applied to systems with extremely different ATRP reactivity, providing a rational database of primary reference for further developments of ATRP.     

Radical ring-opening polymerization of lipoates: Kinetic and thermodynamic aspects

The radical ring-opening polymerization of a lipoate-based monomer, ethyl lipoate, in bulk and in solution was studied at various temperatures and it was found that in all cases, only limited (plateau) conversions were reached, which were lower at higher temperatures and/or at higher dilutions. It was established that a monomer-polymer equilibrium exists with a corresponding ceiling temperature of 139°C. Due to the reversibility of the lipoate polymerization, when poly(ethyl lipoate) was heated to 150°C, it degraded and within 3 h, the molecular weight decreased to less than 15% of the initial value. Likewise, when the polymer was dissolved in anisole and a radical initiator was added, degradation was observed even at 60°C and it became increasingly pronounced at higher concentrations of the radical source. Due to the presence of multiple disulfide groups in the backbone, poly(ethyl lipoate) also degraded in the presence of reducing agents, such as tributylphosphine, yielding the reduced (dithiol) form of the monomer, ethyl dihydrolipoate.     

Absolute propagation constants in vinyl polymerization

The determination of the individual rate constants in a reaction involving more than a single step is part of the basic knowledge required to understand the process itself. The history of the chain mechanism of vinyl polymerization is presented briefly. The techniques needed to measure the chain propagation step are discussed for the three basic mechanisms: free-radical, cationic, and anionic polymerization. Illustrative examples of the rate constants obtained are given, with stress placed on the monomers styrene and methyl methacrylate, which have the advantage of being able to be polymerized by all three or two of the mechanisms, respectively. This allows a comparison of propagation constants between mechanisms. Some factors influencing the magnitudes of the constants are mentioned, and some problems involved in specific cases are discussed. © 1999 Government of Canada. Exclusive worldwide publication rights in the article have been transferred to John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 4467–4477, 1999     

Emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate using iodine‐transfer and RAFT radical polymerizations

This study deals with control of the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of poly(vinyl acetate) by iodine‐transfer radical polymerization and reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerizations as the first example. Emulsion polymerization using ethyl iodoacetate as the chain transfer agent more closely approximated the theoretical molecular weights than did the free radical polymerization. Although ¹H NMR spectra indicated that the peaks of α‐ and ω‐terminal groups were observed, the molecular weight distributions show a relatively broad range (M_w/M_n = 2.2–4.0). On the other hand, RAFT polymerizations revealed that the dithiocarbamate 7 is an excellent candidate to control the polymer molecular weight (M_n = 9.1 × 10³, M_w/M_n = 1.48), more so than xanthate 1 (M_n = 10.0 × 10³, M_w/M_n = 1.89) under same condition, with accompanied stable emulsions produced. In the M_n versus conversion plot, M_n increased linearly as a function of conversion. We also performed seed‐emulsion polymerization using poly(nonamethylene L ‐tartrate) as the chiral polyester seed to fabricate emulsions with core‐shell structures. The control of polymer molecular weight and emulsion stability, as well as stereoregularity, is also discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

Triallylstannyllithium-allyllithium as an initiator for the anionic reversible chain transfer polymerization of 1,3-butadiene

The anionic polymerization of 1,3-butadiene using a novel metalloidal anion initiator, triallylstannyllithium (TALi)-allyllithium (ALi), was studied. The TALi-ALi initiated anionic polymerization of 1,3-butadiene gave the star polymer along with the linear polybutadiene (PBD). The star polymer consisted of three PBD branches and a central tin atom. What is striking is a fact that the number-average molecular weights (M_n) and molecular weight distribution of three PBD branches and linear PBD were almost identical. A reversible chain transfer polymerization mechanism, which includes the equilibrium between tri(macroallyl)-stannyllithium and macroallylic anion, is proposed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.