Stimuli-Responsive Macromolecular Architecture by Butler Cyclopolymerizations: Synthesis and Applications

This article reviews the synthesis of polyzwitterions (PZs) (poly-carboxybetaines, -phosphonobetaines, and -sulfobetaines) having multiple pH-responsive centers. The synthesis follows the Butler cyclopolymerization protocol involving a multitude of diallylammonium salts and their copolymerization with SO₂ and maleic acid. The PZs have been transformed into cationic-, anionic-polyelectrolytes, and polyampholytes under the influence of pH. Particular attention is given to the application of these polymers as antiscalants, mild steel corrosion inhibitors, components in constructing Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPSs), and membrane modifiers. The ATPSs could be used to separate various biomolecules, including proteins. Many amphiphilic polymers incorporating a few mol % hydrophobic monomers have shown enhanced viscosities and could be suitable for applications in oil fields. The progress of applying Butler cyclopolymerization in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) chemistry has been discussed. Future works are expected to focus on RAFT cyclopolymerization to construct block copolymers.

Sulfur-containing polymers derived from SO2: synthesis, properties, and applications

Sulfur-containing polymers enjoy the merits of excellent optical performance, degradation, chemical recyclability, and adhesive abilities toward metal ions. Recently, increasing attentions in both academic and industrial circles have been paid...

Synthesis and application of polyzwitterionic and polyampholytic maleic acid-alt-(diallylamino)propylphosphonates

Ammonium persulfate-initiated alternate copolymerization of maleic acid with phosphonate ester monomer [(CH₂CH–CH₂)₂NH⁺(CH₂)₃PO₃Et₂Cl⁻] gave polyzwitterion A which upon ester hydrolysis afforded antiscalant polyampholyte B.