Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Hydrophobically End-Capped Poly(ethylene oxide)s [PEOs]

We report on the synthesis and characterization of a novel hydrophobically modified end-capped poly(ethylene oxide)s. The end-capping agent of this polymer was designed and synthesised from a renewable resource material namely, gallic acid (i.e. 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid), the byproduct of tannin industry. The hydroxyl groups at 3, 4 and 5 positions of gallic acid provide an opportunity for varying the hydrophobicity of the compound. The hydrophobic end-capping compound, 3,4,5-tridodecyloxy bezoylazide was prepared from gallic acid and PEGs with different chain lengths (of number average molecular weights, 10000 and 35000 g/mol) were end-capped using 3,4,5-tridodecyloxybenzoyl azide. The quantitative analysis of end-capping in the polymers was demonstrated by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and the rheological studies were carried out in the surfactant solutions.