Isoprene‐Assisted Radical Coupling of (Co)polymers Prepared by Cobalt‐Mediated Radical Polymerization

Tackling blocks : The isoprene‐assisted radical coupling (I‐ARC) of polymers prepared by cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization (see picture) is the first efficient radical coupling method that is not restricted to short chains. When applied to AB diblock copolymers, I‐ARC constitutes a straightforward approach to the preparation of novel symmetrical ABA triblock copolymers.

     

Cobalt‐Mediated Radical Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate and Acrylonitrile in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) of vinyl acetate (VAc) is successfully achieved in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂). CMRP of VAc is conducted using an alkyl‐cobalt(III) adduct that is soluble in scCO₂. Kinetics studies coupled to visual observations of the polymerization medium highlight that the melt viscosity and PVAc molar mass (M_n) are key parameters that affect the CMRP in scCO₂. It is noticed that CMRP is controlled for M_n up to 10 000 g mol⁻¹, but loss of control is progressively observed for higher molar masses when PVAc precipitates in the polymerization medium. Low molar mass PVAc macroinitiator, prepared by CMRP in scCO₂, is then successfully used to initiate the acrylonitrile polymerization. PVAc‐b‐PAN block copolymer is collected as a free flowing powder at the end of the process although the dispersity of the copolymer increases with the reaction time. Although optimization is required to decrease the dispersity of the polymer formed, this CMRP process opens new perspectives for macromolecular engineering in scCO₂ without the utilization of fluorinated comonomers or organic solvents.

     

Key Role of Intramolecular Metal Chelation and Hydrogen Bonding in the Cobalt‐Mediated Radical Polymerization of N‐Vinyl Amides

This work reveals the preponderance of an intramolecular metal chelation phenomenon in a controlled radical polymerization system involving the reversible trapping of the radical chains by a cobalt complex bis(acetylacetonato)cobalt(II). The cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) of a series of N‐vinyl amides was considered with the aim of studying the effect of the cobalt chelation by the amide moiety of the last monomer unit of the chain. The latter reinforces the cobalt? polymer bond in the order N‐vinylpyrrolidone<N‐vinyl caprolactam<N‐methyl‐N‐vinyl acetamide, and is responsible for the optimal control of the polymerizations observed for the last two monomers. Such a double linkage between the controlling agent and the polymer, through a covalent bond and a dative bond, is unique in the field of controlled radical polymerization and represents a powerful opportunity to fine tune the equilibrium between latent and free radicals. Possible hydrogen bond formation is also taken into account in the case of N‐vinyl acetamide and N‐vinyl formamide. These results are essential for understanding the factors influencing Co? C bond strength in general, and the CMRP mechanism in particular, but also for developing a powerful platform for the synthesis of new precision poly(N‐vinyl amide) materials, which are an important class of polymers that sustain numerous applications today.     

Cobalt‐Mediated Radical Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate in Miniemulsion: Very Fast Formation of Stable Poly(vinyl acetate) Latexes at Low Temperature

Summary: Poly(vinyl acetate) macroinitiators end‐capped by a Co(acac)₂ complex (PVAc–Co(acac)₂), prepared in bulk by cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization (CMRP), are used for the controlled radical polymerization of vinyl acetate in miniemulsion to give high‐molecular‐weight polymers and high monomer conversion. Stable poly(vinyl acetate) latexes with solid contents ranging from 25 to 30 wt.‐% are prepared within unusually short reaction times (∼1 h) at low temperatures (0–30 °C).

SEC chromatograms for the PVAc–Co(acac)₂ macroinitiator and PVAc latex obtained under ultrasonication for 6 min at 0 °C (79% monomer conversion).     

Preparation of Well‐Defined PVOH/C60 Nanohybrids by Cobalt‐Mediated Radical Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate

Summary: Poly(vinyl acetate) chains end‐capped by a Co(acac)₂ complex [PVAc‐Co(acac)₂] were prepared by bulk cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) of vinyl acetate and used for grafting fullerene (C60) with four PVAc arms at low temperature (30 °C). A photoactive water‐soluble poly(vinyl alcohol)/C60 nanohybrid was then prepared by hydrolysis of the PVAc arms of the nanohybrid. Because of photoactivity and very low cytotoxicity, this type of water‐soluble nanohybrid is very promising for the photodynamic cancer therapy.

Strategy for the preparation of PVAc/C60 nanohybrid and hydrolysis of PVAc/C60 nanohybrid into PVOH/C60 nanohybrid.     

A Simple Way for Synthesis of Alkyne-Telechelic Poly(methyl methacrylate) via Single Electron Transfer Radical Coupling Reaction

The telechelic α,ω‐alkyne‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (alkyne‐PMMA‐alkyne) was synthesized by single electron transfer radical coupling (SETRC) reaction of α‐alkyne, ω‐bromine‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (alkyne‐ PMMA‐Br). The propargyl 2‐bomoisobutyrate (PgBiB) was first prepared to initiate atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate at 45°C using CuCl/1,1,4,7,10,10‐hexamethyl triethylenetetramine (HMTETA) as homogeneous catalytic system. Then the SETRC reaction was conducted at room temperature in the presence of nascent Cu(0) and N,N,N′,N′ ′,N′ ′‐pentamethyldiethyllenetriamine (PMDETA). The precursor alkyne‐PMMA‐Br and coupled product alkyne‐PMMA‐alkyne were characterized by GPC and ¹H NMR in detail.     

Cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization routes to poly(vinyl ester) block copolymers

Cobalt‐mediated radical polymerizations (CMRPs) utilizing redox initiation are demonstrated to produce poly(vinyl ester) homopolymers derived from vinyl pivalate (VPv) and vinyl benzoate (VBz), and their block copolymers with vinyl acetate (VAc). Combining anhydrous Co(acac)₂, lauroyl peroxide, citric acid trisodium salt, and VPv at 30 °C results in controlled polymerizations that yield homopolymers with M_n = 2.5–27 kg/mol with M_w/M_n = 1.20–1.30. Homopolymerizations of scrupulously purified VBz proceed with lower levels of control as evidenced by broader polydispersities over a range of molecular weights (M_n = 4–16 kg/mol; M_w/M_n = 1.34–1.65), which may be interpreted in terms of the decreased nucleophilicity of these less electron donating propagating polymer chain ends. Based on these results, we demonstrate that sequential CMRP reactions present a viable route to microphase separated poly(vinyl ester) block copolymers as shown by small‐angle X‐ray scattering analyses. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

Synthesis of poly(vinyl acetate)‐graft‐polystyrene by a combination of cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization

Vinyl acetate and vinyl chloroacetate were copolymerized in the presence of a bis(trifluoro‐2,4‐pentanedionato)cobalt(II) complex and 2,2′‐azobis(4‐methoxy‐2,4‐dimethylvaleronitrile) at 30 °C, forming a cobalt‐capped poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐vinyl chloroacetate). The addition of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy after a certain degree of copolymerization was reached afforded 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy‐terminated poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐vinyl chloroacetate) (PVOAc–MI; number‐average molecular weight = 31,000, weight‐average molecular weight/number‐average molecular weight = 1.24). A ¹H NMR study of the resulting PVOAc–MI revealed quantitative terminal 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy functionality and the presence of 5.5 mol % vinyl chloroacetate in the copolymer. The atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene (St) was studied with ethyl chloroacetate as a model initiator and five different Cu‐based catalysts. Catalysts with bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)octadecylamine (BPMODA) or tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA) ligands provided the highest initiation efficiency and best control over the polymerization of St. The grafting‐from ATRP of St from PVOAc–MI catalyzed by copper complexes with BPMODA or TPMA ligands provided poly(vinyl acetate)‐graft‐polystyrene copolymers with relatively high polydispersity (>1.5) because of intermolecular coupling between growing polystyrene (PSt) grafts. After the hydrolysis of the graft copolymers, the cleaved PSt side chains had a monomodal molecular weight distribution with some tailing toward the lower number‐average molecular weight region because of termination. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 447–459, 2007     

Thioketone‐Mediated Polymerization of Butyl Acrylate: Controlling Free‐Radical Polymerization via a Dormant Radical Species

It is demonstrated by experiment and simulation that the commercially available thioketone 4,4‐bis(dimethylamino)thiobenzophenone is capable of controlling AIBN‐initiated bulk butyl acrylate polymerization at 80 °C. On the basis of molecular weight data and from monomer conversion versus time curves, the associated rate parameters are estimated. The addition rate coefficient, k_ad, for the reaction of a propagating chain with the thioketone is close to 10⁶ L · mol⁻¹ · s⁻¹ and the fragmentation rate coefficient, k_frag, is around 10⁻² s⁻¹ giving rise to large equilibrium constants in the order of 10⁸ L · mol⁻¹. Furthermore, cross‐ and self‐termination of the dormant radical species are identified to be operational.

     

An Improved Catalytic Method for Alkoxyamine Synthesis – Functionalized and Biradical Initiators for Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Polymerization

Mn(salen)Cl was applied as a low‐cost catalyst for the formation of alkoxyamines from nitroxides and substituted styrenes. These “unimolecular initiators” for nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) were synthesized using 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidine‐1‐oxyl and 2,2,5‐trimethyl‐4‐phenyl‐3‐azahexane‐3‐oxyl. Functionalized alkoxyamines were obtained from 4‐vinylbenzyl chloride and 4‐vinylbenzyl alcohol. The divinyl compound 1,2‐bis(4‐vinylphenyl)ethane was converted to an alkoxyamine monomer and to bisaminooxy compounds, which can be used as “biradical initiators” for NMRP.

Formation of alkoxyamines using Mn(salen)Cl as the catalyst.     

Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Polymerization in Dispersed Systems: Compartmentalization and Nitroxide Partitioning

Compartmentalization and nitroxide partitioning in NMP in dispersed systems have been investigated by modeling and simulations. Compartmentalization comprises the segregation effect on termination and the confined space effect on deactivation. Under certain conditions, it is possible to obtain an improvement in both control and livingness. The particle size threshold for compartmentalization, decreases with any system change that leads to a decrease in the number of propagating radicals and/or nitroxides per particle, and vice versa. There is direct competition between the confined space effect on deactivation and nitroxide exit–the more water‐soluble the nitroxide, the weaker the confined space effect. Nitroxide partitioning leads to an increase in polymerization rate and loss in control/livingness.

     

Radical and Atom Transfer Halogenation (RATH): A Facile Route for Chemical and Polymer Functionalization

This work demonstrates a new halogenation reaction through sequential radical and halogen transfer reactions, named as “radical and atom transfer halogenation” (RATH). Both benzoxazine compounds and poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) have been demonstrated as active species for RATH. Consequently, the halogenated compound becomes an active initiator of atom transfer radical polymerization. Combination of RATH and sequential ATRP provides an convenient and effective approach to prepare reactive and crosslinkable polymers. The RATH reaction opens a new window both to chemical synthesis and molecular design and preparation of polymeric materials.

     

Modeling of Nitroxide‐Mediated Semibatch Radical Polymerization

A mechanistic model is developed for high‐temperature (138 °C) styrene semibatch thermally and conventionally initiated FRP, as well as NMP with a two‐component initiating system (tert‐butyl peroxyacetate, 4‐hydroxy‐TEMPO). The model, using kinetic coefficients from literature, provides a good representation of the FRP experimental results. Implementation of a gel effect correlation to represent the change in the diffusion‐controlled termination rate coefficient with conversion improves the fit to the thermally initiated system, but is not required to represent the production of low molecular weight material ( Dalton) by conventionally initiated FRP or NMP. The low initiator efficiency found in NMP is well explained by a reaction network involving combination of free nitroxide with methyl radicals formed from initiator decomposition.

     

Poly(ionic liquid)s derived from 3‐octyl‐1‐vinylimidazolium bromide and N‐isopropylacrylamide with tunable properties

A new series of linear and crosslinked copolymers, obtained from 3‐octyl‐1‐vinylimidazolium bromide (VImBr) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), were prepared by radical polymerization. Namely, VImBr was synthesized from 1‐bromooctane and an ionic liquid such as 1‐vinylimidazole. NIPAAm was used because it gives raise to well known thermoresponsive (co‐)polymers. The copolymers were thoroughly characterized by means of ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies. Besides, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were also used. Moreover, the swelling behavior and the thermoresponsive properties of the corresponding hydrogels were studied. It was found that the VImBr incorporation into the copolymers does have a dramatic influence on both the thermal properties of the dried materials and the lower critical solution temperature of the corresponding hydrogels. In detail, the glass transition temperature was dependent on the monomer ratios, and ranged from 5 to 155 °C. Analogously, the lower critical solution temperature of the resulting hydrogels ranged from less than 10 up to 38 °C, thus including the physiological temperature. NMR spectroscopies, which were performed on the linear polymers, indicated that the monomers exhibit an alternating tendency resulting in a microstructure in which blocks are not present, at least when the two monomers are in equimolar amounts. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 3521–3532     

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of N‐Isopropylacrylamide

Summary: Controlled polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAM) was achieved by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using ethyl 2‐chloropropionate (ECP) as initiator and CuCl/tris(2‐dimethylaminoethyl)amine (Me₆TREN) as a catalytic system. The polymerization was carried out in DMF:water 50:50 (v/v) mixed solvent at 20 °C. The first order kinetic plot was linear up to 92% conversion. Controlled molecular weights up to 2.2 × 10⁴ and low polydispersities (1.19) were obtained. The living character of the polymerization was also demonstrated by self‐blocking experiments. Block copolymers with N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAAM) and 3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate (SPMA) were successfully prepared.

Molecular weights and polydispersities of polyNIPAAM versus NIPAAM conversion for two different degrees of polymerization.     

Quantum Chemical Investigation of Secondary Reactions in Poly(vinyl chloride) Free‐Radical Polymerization

Free‐radical polymerization of vinyl chloride is investigated computationally with special attention to the secondary reactions involving mid‐chain radicals (MCRs). Namely, the rate constants of backbiting, chain scission, chain transfer, and propagation reactions are evaluated using a density functional theory method. The rate coefficients of such reactions are estimated taking into account the position of the radical along the chain as well as its distance from the chain‐end. In particular 1:5, 5:1, and 5:9 backbiting are the most relevant secondary reactions, followed by the slower propagation of MCRs. Finally, a kinetic model of suspension polymerization including the investigated reactions is developed, in order to determine their impact on the quality of the final polymer.

     

Functional Polyolefins: Poly(ethylene)‐graft‐Poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization From a Polybrominated Alkane

Poly(cis‐cyclooctene) is synthesized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization in the presence of a chain‐transfer agent and quantitatively hydrobrominated. Subsequent graft polymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA) via Cu‐catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) from the non‐activated secondary alkyl bromide moieties finally results in PE‐g‐PtBA copolymer brushes. By varying the reaction conditions, a series of well‐defined graft copolymers with different graft densities and graft lengths are prepared. The maximum extent of grafting in terms of bromoalkyl groups involved is approximately 80 mol%. DSC measurements on the obtained graft copolymers reveal a decrease in T_m with increasing grafting density.     

End‐Group Characterization of Poly(acrylic acid) Prepared by Nitroxide‐Mediated Controlled Free‐Radical Polymerization

Summary: A low‐molar‐mass poly(acrylic acid) with a narrow molar‐mass distribution, prepared by SG1 nitroxide‐mediated controlled free‐radical polymerization, was subjected to end‐group analysis to confirm its living nature. ¹H and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the SG1‐based alkoxyamine end group. Furthermore, chain extension with styrene and n‐butyl acrylate demonstrated the ability of the homopolymer to initiate the polymerization of a second block. These results open the door to the synthesis of poly(acrylic acid)‐based block copolymers by direct nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of acrylic acid.

Acrylic acid polymerization using an alkoxyamine initiator based on SG1 (N‐tert‐butyl‐N‐(1‐diethyl phosphono‐2,2‐dimethylpropyl) nitroxide resulting in a homopolymer capable of initiating the polymerization of a second block.