Macromolecular design via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)/xanthates (MADIX) polymerization

On the Mechanism of Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate with Dithiobenzoic Acid as Mediator

Dithiobenzoic acid (DTBA) induces controlled polymerization behaviour in methyl methacrylate polymerization at 60°C, accompanied by a pronounced induction period of several hours. DTBA is partially transformed during this induction period into a dithioester with a tertiary ester group moiety, which constitutes an efficient reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent. The transformation reaction is proposed to proceed via a hydrogen abstraction from DTBA by radicals and subsequent termination of the formed phenylcarbonothioylsulfanyl radical with propagating radicals. The proposed reaction scheme was implemented into a computer model, by which the rate coefficient of the hydrogen abstraction from DTBA and of the reinitiation of the intermediate phenylcarbonothioylsulfanyl radical was estimated. The model is in agreement with all of the species observable by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, with the extent of the experimental induction periods, and with the absolute concentrations of dithioesters that act as efficient RAFT agents during the polymerization. A protocol that uses a cocktail of initiators is introduced, by which the induction period in DTBA-mediated polymerization is effectively eliminated.

Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid and Ester Mid-Functionalized Polymers using RAFT Polymerization and ATRP

Polymers with a single central point of carboxylic acid functionality were prepared by living radical polymerization methods, RAFT and ATRP. A convenient water-based synthesis of a Y-branched ATRP initiator from 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 2-bromopropionyl bromide, from which the Y-branched RAFT agent is then subsequently derived, is described. Polymerization occurred uniformly from both of the RAFT groups to give chains of equal length as shown by hydrolysis. ATRP polymerization based on an ester derivative of 3,5-bis(2-bromopropionyloxy)benzoic acid as initiator was well controlled, whereas the free carboxylic acid gave inconsistent performance. The ability to couple functional molecules to the middle of polymers would provide better protection or interaction of the functional molecule with the polymer than conventional end attachment. This would find applications such as in drug delivery where more efficient protection would allow the use of lower molecular weight polymers.