Hyperbranched alternating block copolymers using thiol–yne chemistry: materials with tuneable properties

Abstract

Alternating-block hyperbranched polymers were synthesized using the highly versatile thiol–yne reaction. Dimethyl acrylamide–styrene and tert-butyl acrylate–styrene polymers were prepared, with subsequent hydrolysis of the tert-butyl ester to acrylic acid. The dimethyl acrylamide–styrene hyperbranched polymers self-assembled into large aggregates, as did the acrylic acid–styrene system at low pH. However, high pH triggers the formation of very well defined small particles in the latter system.