Expanding vinyl ether monomer repertoire for ring-expansion cationic polymerization: Various cyclic polymers with tailored pendant groups

Herein, we clarified the ring-expansion cationic polymerization with a cyclic hemiacetal ester (HAE)-based initiator was versatile in terms of applicable vinyl ether monomers. Although there was a risk that higher reactive vinyl ethers may incur β-H elimination of the HAE-based cyclic dormant species to irreversibly give linear chains, the polymerizations were controlled to give corresponding cyclic polymers from various alkyl vinyl ethers of different reactivities. Functional vinyl ether monomers were also available, and for instance a vinyl ether monomer carrying an initiator moiety for metal-catalyzed living radical polymerization in the pendant allowed construction of ring-linear graft copolymers through the grafting-from approach. Furthermore, ring-based gel was prepared via the addition of divinyl ether at the end of the ring-expansion polymerization, where multi HAE bonds cyclic polymers or fused rings were crosslinked with each other. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 3082–3089     

Graft polymer synthesis by RAFT transfer-to

The synthesis of graft polymers via controlled polymerization techniques has enabled the facile modification of the surface properties of a variety of substrates. Three grafting methods are typically highlighted in the literature: grafting-to, grafting-from, and grafting-through. However, a fourth method exists when grafting is conducted using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, which we refer to as transfer-to. Transfer-to differs from the other grafting strategies in the types of structural defects and impurities that arise during polymerization. This review addresses important considerations when conducting RAFT transfer-to, including RAFT chain transfer agent selection, monomer structure, and reaction conditions. In addition, we highlight key mechanistic differences between grafting-from and transfer-to and their effects on the structure and sample composition of the resulting graft polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 2865–2876     

AGET ATRP of water‐soluble PEGMA: Fast living radical polymerization mediated by iron catalyst

In this work, living radical polymerizations of a water‐soluble monomer poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacylate (PEGMA) in bulk with low‐toxic iron catalyst system, including iron chloride hexahydrate and triphenylphosphine, were carried out successfully. Effect of reaction temperature and catalyst concentration on the polymerization of PEGMA was investigated. The polymerization kinetics showed the features of “living”/controlled radical polymerization. For example, M_n,GPC values of the resultant polymers increased linearly with monomer conversion. A faster polymerization of PEGMA could be obtained in the presence of a reducing agent Fe(0) wire or ascorbic acid. In the case of Fe(0) wire as the reducing agent, a monomer conversion of 80% was obtained in 80 min of reaction time at 90 °C, yielding a water‐soluble poly(PEGMA) with M_n = 65,500 g mol^?1 and M_w/M_n = 1.39. The features of “living”/controlled radical polymerization of PEGMA were verified by analysis of chain‐end and chain‐extension experiments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Controlling supramolecular polymerization through multicomponent self‐assembly

The self‐assembly into supramolecular polymers is a process driven by reversible non‐covalent interactions between monomers, and gives access to materials applications incorporating mechanical, biological, optical or electronic functionalities. Compared to the achievements in precision polymer synthesis via living and controlled covalent polymerization processes, supramolecular chemists have only just learned how to developed strategies that allow similar control over polymer length, (co)monomer sequence and morphology (random, alternating or blocked ordering). This highlight article discusses the unique opportunities that arise when coassembling multicomponent supramolecular polymers, and focusses on four strategies in order to control the polymer architecture, size, stability and its stimuli‐responsive properties: (1) end‐capping of supramolecular polymers, (2) biomimetic templated polymerization, (3) controlled selectivity and reactivity in supramolecular copolymerization, and (4) living supramolecular polymerization. In contrast to the traditional focus on equilibrium systems, our emphasis is also on the manipulation of self‐assembly kinetics of synthetic supramolecular systems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 34–78     

Universal xanthate‐mediated controlled free radical polymerizations of the “less activated” vinyl monomers

The living free radical polymerizations of three “less activated” monomers (LAMs), vinyl acetate, N‐vinylcarbazole, and N‐vinylpyrrolidone, were successfully achieved in the presence of a disulfide, isopropylxanthic disulfide (DIP), using 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. The living behaviors of polymerizations of LAMs are evidenced by first‐order kinetic plots and linear increase of molecular weights (M_ns) of the polymers with monomer conversions, while keeping the relatively low molecular weight distributions, respectively. The effects of reaction temperatures and molar ratios of components on the polymerization were also investigated in detail. The polymerization proceeded with macromolecular design via interchange of xanthate process, where xanthate formed in situ from reaction of AIBN and DIP. The architectures of the polymers obtained were characterized by GPC, ¹H NMR, UV–vis, and MALDI‐TOF‐MS spectra, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

Stereoregular uniform polymers

Progress in stereospecific living polymerizations of methacrylate monomers and the concept and realization of “uniform polymers” and “uniform polymer architectures” are described, with particular emphasis on the fusion of polymer synthesis and characterization and their interactive stimulation, which are inevitable not only for the formation of polymers with highly controlled structures but also for the development of polymer characterization, thereby bringing about the spiral progress of both fields. First, three types of stereospecific living polymerizations are described, including formation of 100% isotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), 98% syndiotactic PMMA, and 96% heterotactic PMMA. Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) has proven useful for isolating uniform polymers from these stereoregular PMMAs with narrow molecular weight distributions. Living nature of these stereospecific polymerizations is further utilized for the synthesis of end‐functionalized stereoregular polymers, which are separated into uniform end‐functionalized polymers and used to construct more elaborated uniform polymer architectures such as stereoblock, star, and comb polymers. The uniform polymers have proven quite useful for the studies on the relationship between structures and properties such as glass transition temperature, melting temperature, and solution viscosity. In addition to this, stereoregular uniform polymers are particularly important to understand stereocomplex formation between isotactic and syndiotactic uniform PMMAs. On‐line GPC/NMR measurement at 750 MHz and −15°C in acetone/acetone‐d₆ allowed definitive determination of the compositions of the complexed species and noncomplexed species separately, but not in average. Also interesting is the stereocomplex formation of uniform stereoblock PMMA, where intramolecular complexation in addition to an intermolecular complexation was distinctively observed by GPC analysis in acetone. Uniform star and comb PMMAs were also prepared and found useful to discuss the effect of branching on the solution viscosity. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 245–260, 1999     

Eutectic mixtures as a green alternative for efficient catalyst recycling in atom transfer radical polymerizations

A new solvent mixture, based on ethanol/reline (EM: eutectic mixture), was investigated for the supplemental activator and reducing agent atom transfer radical polymerization (SARA ATRP) of methyl acrylate (MA) near room temperature, for the first time, affording complete catalyst recovery and reuse. The kinetic results revealed that the polymerizations were controlled, with polymers having narrow molecular weight distributions (? < 1.2). The “living” character of the resultant PMA was confirmed by the synthesis of a well‐defined PMA‐b‐PBA block copolymer. Remarkably, it was demonstrated that the Cu(0)/CuBr₂/Me₆TREN (Me₆TREN: tris[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine) could be recovered from the final reaction mixture and reused for new successful SARA ATRP of MA, suggesting that the reported system could be very attractive from both the economic and environmental perspectives. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55 , 371–381     

SET‐RAFT of MMA mediated by ascorbic acid‐activated copper oxide

In this work, cupric oxide (CuO) or cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) was used as the catalyst for the single electron transfer‐reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (SET‐RAFT) polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of ascorbic acid at 25 °C. 2‐Cyanoprop‐2‐yl‐1‐dithionaphthalate (CPDN) was used as the RAFT agent. The polymerization occurred smoothly after an induction period arising from the slow activation of CuO (or Cu₂O) and the “initialization” process in RAFT polymerization. The polymerizations conveyed features of “living”/controlled radical polymerizations: linear evolution of number‐average molecular weight with monomer conversion, narrow molecular weight distribution, and high retention of chain end fidelity. From the polymerization profile, it was deduced that the polymerization proceeded via a conjunct mechanism of single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) and RAFT polymerization, wherein CPDN acting as the initiator for SET‐LRP and chain transfer agent for RAFT polymerization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers via atom transfer radical “bulk” polymerization

The first application of atom transfer radical “bulk” polymerization (ATRBP) in molecular imprinting is described, which provides molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with obvious imprinting effects towards the template, very fast binding kinetics, and an appreciable selectivity over structurally related compounds. In comparison with the MIP prepared via the normally used traditional “bulk” free radical polymerization (BFRP), the MIPs obtained via ATRBP showed somewhat lower binding capacities and apparent maximum numbers N_max for high‐affinity sites as well as quite similar binding association constants K_a for high‐affinity sites and high‐affinity site densities, in contrast with the previous reports (e.g., nitroxide/iniferter‐mediated “bulk” polymerization provided MIPs with improved properties). This is tentatively ascribed to the occurrence of rather fast gelation process in ATRBP, which greatly restricted the mobility of the chemical species, leading to a heavily interrupted equilibrium between dormant species and active radicals and heterogeneous polymer networks. In addition, the general applicability of ATRBP was also confirmed by preparing MIPs for different templates. This work clearly demonstrates that applying controlled radical polymerizations (CRPs) in molecular imprinting not always benefits the binding properties of the resultant MIPs, which is of significant importance for the rational use of CRPs in generating MIPs with improved properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 532–541, 2010     

The persistent radical effect in controlled radical polymerizations

We describe the basic kinetic features of “living” polymerizations controlled and regulated by persistent radicals or related species and by reversible atom transfer. In these systems a special kinetic phenomenon operates—the Persistent Radical Effect. It is also known from selective organic syntheses and reflects a self-inhibition of the termination reaction. Analytical equations for the polymerization rates and for the polydispersities of the resulting polymers are presented, and important requirements for reaction rate constants leading to control are outlined. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 1885–1901, 1999     

Imine-based covalent organic framework as photocatalyst for visible-light-induced atom transfer radical polymerization

Photoinduced atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is an economical and environment-friendly method for synthesizing polymers with pre-designable structures and precise molecular weight. Although significant progress for copper-mediated photoinduced ATRP has been achieved, several drawbacks still remain, such as poor electron transfer capability and absorption bands of photocatalysts near UV region. Herein, imine-based covalent organic framework, TAPPy-TPA-COF , has been synthesized as potential heterogeneous photocatalyst for photoinduced ATRP. The “living” feature of polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) can be well controlled by efficiency maintain the balance between activation and inactivation of Cu^I and Cu^II. The chain extension experiments have further demonstrated the chain-end fidelity of polymers. Meanwhile, the catalyst recycle experiments have revealed stability of TAPPy-TPA-COF toward ATRP processes. These results support the feasibility of using COFs as heterogeneous photocatalysts for copper-mediated ATRP under visible light irradiation.     

Synthesis of graft copolymers with “V‐shaped” and “Y‐shaped” side chains via controlled radical and anionic polymerizations

A combination of nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization and living anionic polymerization was used to synthesize a series of well‐defined graft (co)polymers with “V‐shaped” and “Y‐shaped” branches. The polymer main chain is a copolymer of styrene and p‐chloromethylstyrene (PS‐co‐PCMS) prepared via nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization. The V‐shaped branches were prepared through coupling reaction of polystyrene macromonomer, carrying 1,1‐diphenylethylene terminus, with polystyryllithium or polyisoprenyllithium. The Y‐shaped branches were prepared throughfurther polymerization initiated by the V‐shaped anions. The obtained branches, carrying a living anion at the middle (V‐shaped) or at the end of the third segment (Y‐shaped), were coupled in situ with pendent benzyl chloride of PS‐co‐PCMS to form the target graft (co)polymers. The purified graft (co)polymers were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography equipped with a multiangle light scattering detector and a viscometer. The result shows that the viscosities and radii of gyration of the branched polymers are remarkably smaller than those of linear polystyrene. In addition, V‐shaped product adopts a more compact conformation in dilute solution than the Y‐shaped analogy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4013–4025, 2007     

Click polymerization: The aurora of polymer synthetic methodology

As an emerged efficient polymerization methodology, the click polymerization plays a significant role in the area of polymer and materials sciences. Similar to the click reaction, the click polymerization enjoys the advantages of high efficiency, mild reaction conditions, and high regio- and stereo-selectivity etc. In this highlight, we summarize the recent progress on click polymerizations, with focus on the alkyne-based ones. The challenges and opportunities in this area are also briefly discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 616–621     

Developments in synthesis,characterization, and self-assembly of polycarbodiimide systems

Described herein is a comprehensive survey on the most recent advancements in polycarbodiimide synthetic methodologies, structure determination, property design, and self-assembly. In particular, the ¹⁵N-isotopic enrichment of polycarbodiimides is detailed along with the use of ¹⁵N NMR to identify the regioregularity and mechanism of chiroptical switching in polycarbodiimides. Furthermore, the new Ni(II) mediated “living” polymerization is explained along with its utilization in the incorporation of polycarbodiimides into block copolymers, graft copolymers, and star polymers. Finally, we review the recent discoveries focusing on the highly tunable self-assembly behaviors of polycarbodiimide homopolymers and copolymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 2915–2934     

Direct through anionic,cationic, and radical active species: Terminal carbon–halogen bond for “controlled”/living polymerizations of styrene

In this work, we examined the synthesis of novel block (co)polymers by mechanistic transformation through anionic, cationic, and radical living polymerizations using terminal carbon–halogen bond as the dormant species. First, the direct halogenation of growing species in the living anionic polymerization of styrene was examined with CCl₄ to form a carbon–halogen terminal, which can be employed as the dormant species for either living cationic or radical polymerization. The mechanistic transformation was then performed from living anionic polymerization into living cationic or radical polymerization using the obtained polymers as the macroinitiator with the SnCl₄/n‐Bu₄NCl or RuCp^*Cl(PPh₃)/Et₃N initiating system, respectively. Finally, the combination of all the polymerizations allowed the synthesis block copolymers including unprecedented gradient block copolymers composed of styrene and p‐methylstyrene. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019 , 57, 465–473     

A Self‐Reporting Photocatalyst for Online Fluorescence Monitoring of High Throughput RAFT Polymerization

Translating controlled/living radical polymerization (CLRP) from batch to the high throughput production of polymer libraries presents several challenges in terms of both polymer synthesis and characterization. Although recently there have been significant advances in the field of low volume, high throughput CLRP, techniques able to simultaneously monitor multiple polymerizations in an “online” manner have not yet been developed. Here, we report our discovery that 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐21H,23H‐porphine zinc (ZnTPP) is a self‐reporting photocatalyst that can mediate PET‐RAFT polymerization as well as report on monomer conversion via changes in its fluorescence properties. This enables the use of a microplate reader to conduct high throughput “online” monitoring of PET‐RAFT polymerizations performed directly in 384‐well, low volume microtiter plates.     

The LEGO toolbox: Supramolecular building blocks by nitroxide‐mediated controlled radical polymerization

A terpyridine‐functionalized alkoxyamine unimolecular initiator was used for the nitroxide‐mediated controlled living radical polymerization of n‐butylacrylate, N,N‐dimethylacrylamide, 4‐vinylpyridine, 2‐vinylpyridine, and isoprene. For the former three monomers, the kinetics were studied. All polymerizations resulted in well‐defined polymers having a single terpyridine ligand at the chain end and narrow polydispersity indices. The obtained polymers are valuable building blocks for metallo‐supramolecular polymers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 6331–6344, 2005     

Synthesis of well‐defined copolymer of acrylonitrile and maleic anhydride via RAFT polymerization

Well‐defined copolymer of acrylonitrile (AN) and maleic anhydride (MAn) has been successfully synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The polymerization kinetics and “living”/controlled features were thoroughly studied and confirmed. The thermal properties and spinnability of the prepared copolymers were investigated via differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analyzer, and electrospinning subsequently. When PAN‐co‐PMAn was used as precursors, nonwoven with “crosslinked” structures was obtained during electrospinning. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013 , 51, 5263–5269     

Synthesis of poly(β‐pinene)‐g‐poly(meth)acrylate by the combination of living cationic polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization

New graft copolymers of β‐pinene with methyl methacrylate (MMA) or butyl acrylate (BA) were synthesized by the combination of living cationic polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). β‐Pinene polymers with predetermined molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions (MWDs) were prepared by living cationic polymerization with the 1‐phenylethyl chloride/TiCl₄/Ti(OiPr)₄/nBu₄NCl initiating system, and the resultant polymers were brominated quantitatively by N‐bromosuccinamide in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile, yielding poly(β‐pinene) macroinitiators with different bromine contents (Br/β‐pinene unit molar ratio = 1.0 and 0.5 for macroinitiators a and b , respectively). The macroinitiators, in conjunction with CuBr and 2,2′‐bipyridine, were used to initiate ATRP of BA or MMA. With macroinitiator a or b , the bulk polymerization of BA induced a linear first‐order kinetic plot and gave graft copolymers with controlled molecular weights and MWDs; this indicated the living nature of these polymerizations. The bulk polymerization of MMA initiated with macroinitiator a was completed instantaneously and induced insoluble gel products. However, the controlled polymerization of MMA was achieved with macroinitiator b in toluene and resulted in the desired graft copolymers with controlled molecular weights and MWDs. The structures of the obtained graft copolymers of β‐pinene with (methyl)methacrylate were confirmed by ¹H NMR spectra. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1237–1242, 2003     

Combining renewable gum rosin and lignin: Towards hydrophobic polymer composites by controlled polymerization

Rosin polymer–grafted lignin composites were prepared via “grafting from” atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with the aid of 2‐bromoisobutyryl ester‐modified lignin as macroinitiators. Three different monomers derived from dehydroabietic acid (DA) were used for execution of grafting from ATRP, while DA was separately attached onto lignin by a simple esterification reaction. Kinetic studies indicated controlled and “living” characteristics of all monomer polymerizations. Thermal studies indicated that rosin polymer–grafted lignin composites exhibited glass transition temperatures in a broad temperature range from ～20 to 100°C. The grafting of both DA and rosin polymers significantly enhanced hydrophobicity of lignin. Static contact angle measurement of water droplets showed ～90° for all these rosin modified lignin composites. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that the surface of rosin–lignin composites was dominated with chemical compositions originating from the hydrocarbon rich rosin moiety. The impartation of hydrophobicity of rosin into lignin provided excellent water resistance of this class of renewable polymers, as all rosin‐modified lignin composites showed water uptake below 1.0 wt %. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011