Synthesis of a multicyclic polymer with hyperbranched structure by click polymerization of an AB2 cyclic macromonomer

Abstract

A multicyclic polymer with a hyperbranched structure was successfully synthesized. A tailored initiator containing a protected alkynyl group was prepared and used to initiate the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene. By the combination of a click reaction, a UV-induced coupling reaction and post-modification, an AB₂ type cyclic polystyrene with a protected alkynyl group and two azide groups was obtained, and after deprotection, the clickable cyclic polymer was used as a macromonomer to prepare a multicyclic polymer with a hyperbranched structure by click polymerization via the AB₂ strategy. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results showed that the obtained hyperbranched multicyclic polymer contained 47 cyclic units on average.