Hydrolytic Susceptibility of Dithioester Chain Transfer Agents and Implications in Aqueous RAFT Polymerizations

Thermolysis of RAFT-Synthesized Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)

Thermolysis provides a simple and efficient way of eliminating thiocarbonylthio groups from RAFT-synthesized polymers. The course of thermolysis of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) prepared with dithiobenzoate and trithiocarbonate RAFT agents was followed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), 1H NMR spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The weight loss profile observed depends strongly on the RAFT agent used during polymer synthesis. PMMA with a methyl trithiocarbonate end group undergoes loss of that end group at ~180°C, at least in part, by a mechanism believed to involve homolysis of the C–CS2SCH3 bond and subsequent depropagation. In contrast, PMMA with a dithiobenzoate end appears more stable. Only the end group is lost at ~180°C and the dominant mechanism is proposed to be a concerted elimination process analogous to that involved in the Chugaev reaction.

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.

Living Radical Polymerization by the RAFT Process

This paper presents a review of living radical polymerization achieved with thiocarbonylthio compounds [ZC(=S)SR] by a mechanism of reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). Since we first introduced the technique in 1998, the number of papers and patents on the RAFT process has increased exponentially as the technique has proved to be one of the most versatile for the provision of polymers of well defined architecture. The factors influencing the effectiveness of RAFT agents and outcome of RAFT polymerization are detailed. With this insight, guidelines are presented on how to conduct RAFT and choose RAFT agents to achieve particular structures. A survey is provided of the current scope and applications of the RAFT process in the synthesis of well defined homo-, gradient, diblock, triblock, and star polymers, as well as more complex architectures including microgels and polymer brushes.