The Synthesis of Graft,Block, and Star Polymers Using Enolate-Initiated Anionic Polymerization

Abstract

Initiation of the polymerization of methacrylate monomers by enolate ions affords broad opportunities for the design of several types of macromolecules. Alone, or in combination with other techniques, enolate initiation provides routes to the preparation of well-Characterized graft copolymers, block copolymers (of both AB and BAB types), star polymers, and H-polymers. The general mechanism of polymerization initiated by lithiated esters and silyl ketene acetals is discussed, and examples are presented of the synthesis of each of the kinds of polymer molecules mentioned above.