A-B-A Triblock and (A-B)n Segmented Block Copolymers of Styrene and Ethylene Oxide via Thermal Iniferters

A free radical technique is described for the synthesis of tri- and multiblock copolymers of styrene and ethylene oxide through polyethylene oxide-based thermal “iniferters.” The mono- or dihydroxy-terminated oligomeric polyethylene oxides were chemically transformed to the secondary amine terminated species. Thiocarba-mylation and oxidation of the amine groups gave rise to macro- or polymeric thiuram disulfides called macro- or polymeric “iniferters,” respectively. Thermal polymerization of styrene in the presence of the macro iniferter led to the formation of their perfect triblock copolymers, with styrene forming the central block. Utilization of the polymeric iniferter, on the other hand, give rise to (A-B)_n type segmented copolymers containing as many as 3 (A-B) sequences. The length of each block could be regulated by the choice of the appropriate iniferter and its relative concentration with respect to the monomer. The iniferters and the block copolymers were characterized.