Preparation of (AB)n-type block copolymers by use of polyazoesters

Polyesters of the formula, [(OR)_n? O? CO? C(CH₃)₂? N?N? C(CH₃)₂? CO]_m, where (OR)_n are poly(ethylene oxide), Poly(propylene oxide), or PTHF units, were used to prepare block copolymers with styrene. Ester and ether groups were cleaved with HI, NaOCH₃, and diisobutylaluminum hydride. The resulting polystyrene is telechelic with two COOH and OH groups, respectively. The number of styrene blocks per polymer molecule is 3–4.