title: High-order multiblock copolymers via iterative Cu(0)-mediated radical polymerizations (SET-LRP): toward biological precision.
abstract: We report a new approach for the facile synthesis of high-order multiblock copolymers comprising very short blocks. The approach entails sequential addition of different monomers via an iterative single electron transfer-living radical polymerization technique, allowing nearly perfect control of the copolymer microstructure. It is possible to synthesize high-order multiblock copolymers with unprecedented control, i.e., A-B-C-D-E-etc., without any need for purification between iterative 24 h block formation steps. To illustrate this concept, we report the synthesis of model P(MA-b-MA...) homopolymer and P(MA-b-nBuA-b-EA-b-2EHA-b-EA-b-nBuA) copolymer in extremely high yield. Finally, the halide end-group can be modified via "click chemistry", including thiol-bromide click chemistry, sodium methanethiosulfonate nucleophilic substitution, and atom transfer radical nitroxide coupling reaction, to yield functional, structurally complex macromolecules.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia.
authors.forename: Alexander H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Soeriyadi
authors.forename: Cyrille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Boyer
authors.forename: Fredrik
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nyström
authors.forename: Per B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Zetterlund
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Whittaker
mesh_terms: D057930:Click Chemistry / Q000379:methods*; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry*; D058105:Polymerization; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis*
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D003300:Copper