Issue 3, 2015

Sequence-controlled multi-block copolymerization of acrylamides via aqueous SET-LRP at 0 °C

Abstract

Aqueous single electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) has been employed to synthesize multi-block homopolymers and copolymers of a range of acrylamide monomers including N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), 2-hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEAA), N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMA) and N,N-diethylacrylamide (DEA). Disproportionation of Cu(I)Br in the presence of Me6TREN in water was exploited to generate reactive Cu(0) and [CuII(Me6TREN)]Br2in situ resulting in unprecedented rates of reaction whilst maintaining control over chain lengths and molecular weight distributions (Đ < 1.10). Kinetic studies enabled optimization of iterative chain extensions or block copolymerizations furnishing complex compositions in a matter of minutes/hours. In the multi-block copolymer system, the monomer sequence was successfully varied and limiting effects on the polymerization have been comprehensively examined through a series of control experiments which imply that the rate of ω-Br chain end loss is enhanced in tertiary acrylamides (DMA, DEA, N-acryloylmorpholine NAM) relative to secondary acrylamides (NIPAM, HEAA).

Graphical abstract: Sequence-controlled multi-block copolymerization of acrylamides via aqueous SET-LRP at 0 °C

Associated articles

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
03 Aug 2014
Accepted
26 Sep 2014
First published
29 Sep 2014

Polym. Chem., 2015,6, 406-417

Author version available

Sequence-controlled multi-block copolymerization of acrylamides via aqueous SET-LRP at 0 °C

F. Alsubaie, A. Anastasaki, P. Wilson and D. M. Haddleton, Polym. Chem., 2015, 6, 406 DOI: 10.1039/C4PY01066C

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