6,6′-Bisfunctionalized 2,2′-bipyridines as metallo-supramolecular initiators for the living polymerization of oxazolines

Cu(I) {6,6′-bis(bromomethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine}₂](PF₆) complexes were used as metallo-supramolecular initiators for the polymerization of 2-oxazolines resulting in defined polymers with a central 6,6′-disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridine unit. The living character of the polymerization was demonstrated with the linear relationship between the weight-average molecular weight M?_w and the monomer]/initiator] ratio as well as in the synthesis of block copolymers. The metal ions could be removed resulting in uncomplexed polymers with a free central metal binding unit.