IrAAC-based construction of dual sequence-defined polytriazoles

Abstract

One novel dual sequence-defined polytriazole structure was demonstrated here, which could be easily achieved through a two-step iterative sequential growth strategy involving azidation and the iridium-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (IrAAC) reaction. The monomers with two side chains were facilely prepared from simple units in one pot, enabling the convenient introduction of diverse functional groups. Uniform tetramers were successfully obtained via this simple protocol. Discrete polytriazoles with 18 side chains and up to 3903.72 g mol⁻¹ molecular weight were further constructed by coupling of these tetramers with different thioalkyne dimers under IrAAC conditions. Characterization via¹H NMR, SEC and MS confirmed the structure and monodispersity of these macromolecules. Three major fragmentation patterns were detected in the tandem mass spectrometry analysis of this architecture, which not only disclosed its high decodability, but also indicated its promising application in high-capacity digital polymers.