Synthesis of complex polymeric architectures using multilithiated carbanionic initiators—Comparison with other approaches

Orthogonal Radical and Cationic Single-Unit Monomer Insertions for Engineering Polymer Architectures

The single-unit monomer insertion (SUMI), derived from living/controlled polymerization, can be directly functionalized at the end or within the chain of polymers prepared by living/controlled polymerization, offering potential applications in the preparation of polymers with complex architectures. Many scenarios demand the simultaneous incorporation of monomers suitable for different polymerization methods into complex polymers. Therefore, it becomes imperative to utilize SUMI technologies with diverse mechanisms, especially those that are compatible with each other. Here, we reported the orthogonal SUMI technique, seamlessly combining radical and cationic SUMI approaches. Through the careful optimization of monomer and chain transfer agent pairs and adjustments to reaction conditions, we can efficiently execute both radical and cationic SUMI processes in one pot without mutual interference. The utilization of orthogonal SUMI pairs facilitates the integration of radical and cationic reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization in various configurations. This flexibility enables the synthesis of diblock, triblock, and star polymers that incorporate both cationically and radically polymerizable monomers. Moreover, we have successfully implemented a mixing mechanism of free radicals and cations in RAFT step-growth polymerization, resulting in the creation of a side-chain sequence-controlled polymer brushes.

Quo Vadis Carbanionic Polymerization?

Living anionic polymerization will soon celebrate 70 years of existence. This living polymerization is considered the mother of all living and controlled/living polymerizations since it paved the way for their discovery. It provides methodologies for synthesizing polymers with absolute control of the essential parameters that affect polymer properties, including molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, composition and microstructure, chain-end/in-chain functionality, and architecture. This precise control of living anionic polymerization generated tremendous fundamental and industrial research activities, developing numerous important commodity and specialty polymers. In this Perspective, we present the high importance of living anionic polymerization of vinyl monomers by providing some examples of its significant achievements, presenting its current status, giving several insights into where it is going (Quo Vadis) and what the future holds for this powerful synthetic method. Furthermore, we attempt to explore its advantages and disadvantages compared to controlled/living radical polymerizations, the main competitors of living carbanionic polymerization.

Rapid one-pot synthesis of tapered star copolymers via ultra-fast coupling of polystyryllithium chain ends

Efficient coupling of sterically demanding polystyryllithium (PS-Li) chain ends is achieved using tetra[3-(chloro-dimethylsilyl)propyl]silane (TCDMSPS) as a linking agent. This general approach is employed for the rapid synthesis of tapered star copolymers.

Trifunctional organolithium initiator for living anionic polymerization in hydrocarbon solvents in the absence of polar additives

Synthesis of well-defined three-arm star homopolymers of polystyrene and polyisoprene with a novel trifunctional anionic initiator in hydrocarbon solvents without the addition of polar additives.

End group functionalization of poly(ethylene glycol) with phenolphthalein: towards star-shaped polymers based on supramolecular interactions

The synthesis of a new phenolphthalein azide derivative, which can be easily utilized in polymer analogous reactions, is presented. The subsequent cycloaddition reaction with propargyl-functionalized methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) yielded polymers bearing phenolphthalein as the covalently attached end group. In presence of per-β-cyclodextrin-dipentaerythritol, the formation of stable inclusion complexes was observed, representing an interesting approach towards the formation of star shaped polymers. The decolorization of a basic polymer solution caused by the complexation was of great advantage since this behavior enabled following the complex formation by UV-vis spectroscopy and even the naked eye.