Thiocarbonyl Chemistry in Polymer Science

Organised by reaction type, this review highlights the unique reactivity of thiocarbonyl (C=S) groups with radicals, anions, nucleophiles, electrophiles, in pericyclic reactions, and in the presence of light. In the...

Photo-crosslinked polymer cubosomes as a recyclable nanoreactor in organic solvents

Photo-crosslinked polymer cubosomes can work as robust nanoreactor under organic solvent condition without structural degradation.

One-pot four-component assembly for diselenocarbamates

A one-pot four-component synthesis of diselenocarbamates was established from the combination of diselanes, selenium powder, chloroform and amines under mild conditions.

Organoselenium chemistry-based polymer synthesis

Novel synthesis of selenium containing polymers with pre-determined structures and applications thereof.

Selenol-Based Nucleophilic Reaction for the Preparation of Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymers

Selenide-containing amphiphilic copolymers have shown significant potential for application in drug release systems. Herein, we present a methodology for the design of a reactive oxygen species-responsive amphiphilic diblock selenide-labeled copolymer. This copolymer with controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution was prepared by sequential organoselenium-mediated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (Se-RAFT) polymerization and selenol-based nucleophilic reaction. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-to-flight (MALDI-TOF) techniques were used to characterize its structure. Its corresponding nanomicelles successfully formed through self-assembly from the copolymer itself. Such nanomicelles could rapidly disassemble under oxidative conditions due to the fragmentation of the Se-C bond. Therefore, this type of nanomicelle based on selenide-labeled amphiphilic copolymers potentially provides a new platform for drug delivery.

One-pot cascade polymerization based on the addition reactions of electrophilic selenium reagents to alkenes

A direct polymerization based on the addition reactions of electrophilic selenium reagents to alkenes was established.

Synthesis of high refractive index polymer with pendent selenium-containing maleimide and use as a redox sensor

A high refractive index polymer was synthesized by the copolymerization of styrene with different functionalizedN-phenyl maleimides, phenyloxide (P1), phenylsulfide (P2), and phenylselenide (P3).

Synthesis of PMMA-based block copolymers by consecutive irreversible and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerizations

Xanthate and dithiocarbamate functionalized PMMAs obtained by free radical polymerization in the presence of xanthogen and dithiuram disulfide were used for chain extension with less activated monomers such as vinyl acetate and ethylene.

Copolymerization of Phenylselenide-Substituted Maleimide with Styrene and Its Oxidative Elimination Behavior

Selenium-containing monomer monophenyl maleimide selenide (MSM) was synthesized and copolymerized with styrene (St) using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Copolymers with controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution were obtained. The structure of the copolymer was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Ultraviolet⁻visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) spectroscopy. The copolymer can be oxidized by H₂O₂ to form carbon-carbon double bonds within the main chain due to the unique sensitivity of selenide groups in the presence of oxidants. Such structure changing resulted in an interesting concentration-related photoluminescence emission enhancement.

Photoinduced controlled radical polymerization of methyl acrylate and vinyl acetate by xanthate

A block copolymer of PMA-b-PVAc was successfully synthesized using photo-induced RAFT polymerization with a xanthate.

Stereospecific Living Cationic Polymerization of N-Vinylcarbazole through the Design of ZnCl2-Derived Counteranions

Highly stereospecific living polymerization of N-vinylcarbazole (NVC) successfully proceeded via a cationic mechanism as a result of the elaborate design of counteranions using an initiating system consisting of CF₃SO₃H, nBu₄NX (X = Cl, Br, I), and a Lewis acid catalyst. The use of ZnCl₂ and an appropriate amount of nBu₄NCl quantitatively generated highly isotactic polymers (mm = 94%) with narrow molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n ∼ 1.3) and molecular weights proportional to monomer conversion. In this system, a ZnCl₄^2- species, which was formed as a counteranion of the propagating carbocation, most likely contributed to the stereoregulation of the polymers because the mm value drastically varied depending on the polymerization conditions, such as the Lewis acid catalyst and amount of added salt. Isotactic poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) showed different properties than atactic PVK based on fluorescence and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis.

Selenium borohydride reaction as a versatile platform for the straightforward preparation of selenide-containing topological polymers

A simple and versatile method for preparing selenide-containing polymers with desired topologies is established based on the reaction of a selenide-functionalized borohydride exchange resin with end-functionalized polymers.

From seleno-mediated radical polymerization to seleno-containing branched polymers and dynamic hydrogel

A protocol of introducing redox responsive Se–Se bond into well-defined hydrogel backbone.

RAFT Polymerization with Triphenylstannylcarbodithioates (Sn-RAFT)

A new range of tin-based reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) agents is described and evaluated for the polymerization of acrylamides, methyl acrylate and styrene. These organometallic compounds are highly reactive reversible transfer agents which allow an efficient control of the polymerization of substituted acrylamide monomers, whereas RAFT control for methyl acrylate and styrene polymerization is contaminated by side reactions at prolonged reaction times. ¹¹⁹Sn NMR is shown to be an informative instrument for the monitoring of Sn-RAFT-mediated polymerizations.

Reduction-sensitive polymeric nanocarriers in cancer therapy: a comprehensive review

Redox potential is regarded as a significant signal to distinguish between the extra-cellular and intra-cellular environments, as well as between tumor and normal tissues. Taking advantage of this physiological differentiation, various reduction-sensitive polymeric nanocarriers (RSPNs) have been designed and explored to demonstrate excellent stability during blood circulation but rapidly degrade and effectively trigger drug release in tumor cells. Therefore, this smart RSPN delivery system has attracted much attention in recent years, as it represents one of the most promising drug delivery strategies in cancer therapy. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of RSPNs with various reducible linkages and functional groups up to date, including their design and synthetic strategies, preparation methods, drug release behavior, and their in vitro and in vivo efficacy in cancer therapy. In addition, dual- and triple-sensitive nanocarriers based on reducible disulfide bond-containing linkages will also be discussed.

Facile synthesis of well-defined redox responsive diselenide-labeled polymers via organoselenium-mediated CRP and aminolysis

A protocol for introducing the redox responsive Se–Se bond into well-defined polymer backbones was developed.

Diselenide mediated controlled radical polymerization under visible light irradiation: mechanism investigation and α,ω-ditelechelic polymers

The radical polymerization of styrene was investigated in the presence of five diaryl diselenide compounds with different groups on the benzene ring under visible light irradiation.

Synthesis of core cross-linked star polystyrene with functional end groups and self-assemblies templated by breath figures

We report the synthesis of core cross-linked star (CCS) polymers with functional end groups for self-assembled films, which show mono-layer and multi-layer transition, depending on arm numbers, arm length, and end groups.