Reversible control of self-assembly of a diblock copolymer supporting Wittig reagent

The reversible control of self-assembly of a diblock copolymer supporting Wittig reagent was attained by changing the volume ratio of the mixed solvent. Poly(4-vinylbenzyltriphenylphosphonium chloride)-block-polystyrene (PPCl-b-PSt) self-assembled into micelles with the PPCl block cores in C₆H₆. The micelles were completely dissociated into unimers by the addition of CH₃CN at a 5/5 volume ratio of C₆H₆/CH₃CN. As a result of further increasing the CH₃CN, the reversed micelles with the PPCl block shells were produced. The copolymer served as the Wittig reagent for 9-anthracenecarboxaldehyde to produce a block copolymer with the pendent anthracene. The resulting copolymer also provided micelles in C₆H₆.