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Synthesis of Symmetrical Triblock Copolymers of Styrene and N ‐isopropylacrylamide Using Bifunctional Bis(trithiocarbonate)s as RAFT Agents
Author(s) -
BivigouKoumba Achille M.,
Kristen Juliane,
Laschewsky Andre,
MüllerBuschbaum Peter,
Papadakis Christine M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
macromolecular chemistry and physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.57
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1521-3935
pISSN - 1022-1352
DOI - 10.1002/macp.200800575
Subject(s) - copolymer , raft , amphiphile , bifunctional , polymer chemistry , styrene , polystyrene , micelle , chain transfer , molar mass , chemistry , poly(n isopropylacrylamide) , reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer polymerization , materials science , aqueous solution , organic chemistry , radical polymerization , polymer , catalysis
Six new bifunctional bis(trithiocarbonate)s were explored as RAFT agents for synthesizing amphiphilic triblock copolymers ABA and BAB, with hydrophilic “A” blocks made from N ‐isopropylacrylamide and hydrophobic “B” blocks made from styrene. Whereas the extension of poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) by styrene was not effective, polystyrene macroRAFT agents provided the block copolymers efficiently. End group analysis by 1 H NMR spectroscopy supported molar mass analysis and revealed an unexpected side reaction for certain bis(trithiocarbonate)s, namely a fragmentation to simple trithiocarbonates while extruding ethylenetrithiocarbonate. The amphiphilic block copolymers with short polystyrene blocks are directly soluble in water and self‐organize into thermoresponsive micellar aggregates.