Highly defined multiblock copolypeptoids: pushing the limits of living nucleophilic ring-opening polymerization.
Advanced macromolecular engineering requires excellent control over the polymerization reaction. Living polymerization methods are notoriously sensitive to impurities, which makes a practical realization of such control very challenging. Reversible-deactivation radical polymerization methods are typically more robust, but have other limitations. Here, we demonstrate by repeated (≥10 times) chain extension the extraordinary robustness of the living nucleophilic ring-opening polymerization of N-substituted glycine N-carboxyanhydrides, which yields polypeptoids. We observe essentially quantitative end-group fidelity under experimental conditions that are comparatively easily managed. This is employed to synthesize a pentablock quinquiespolymer with high definition.
Department Chemie, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
Corinna
C
Fetsch
Robert
R
Luxenhofer
D000812:Anhydrides / Q000737:chemistry; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D058105:Polymerization; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
D000812:Anhydrides; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers