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Synthesis and Characterization of Four‐Arm Star Polystyrene Based on a Novel Tetrafunctional RAFT Agent
Author(s) -
Wright Trevor Gavin,
Weber Wolfgang,
Pfukwa Helen,
Pasch Harald
Publication year - 2015
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.201500164
Subject(s) - aminolysis , raft , chain transfer , polystyrene , polymer chemistry , reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer polymerization , polymerization , polymer , size exclusion chromatography , materials science , copolymer , styrene , chemistry , radical polymerization , organic chemistry , composite material , catalysis , enzyme
Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) is a very versatile polymerization technique whereby the topology of the final polymer can be tailored using specific RAFT agents. The tetrafunctional RAFT agent, tetrabenzyl(1,3‐dithietane‐2,2,4,4‐tetrayl)tetracarbanotrithioate, has not previously been used to synthesize polymers. Polystyrene (PS) is synthesized using this tetrafunctional RAFT agent and advanced characterization is performed using spectroscopic and separation methods. In situ 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) are used to determine the topology of the resultant PS. The polymerization is followed by in situ 1 H NMR, using styrene‐d 8 rather than hydrogenous styrene. In situ 1 H NMR spectra show that the RAFT agent is incorporated into the polymer as a terminal group. Aminolysis of the star‐shaped PS is performed and the SEC and NMR results before and after aminolysis are compared. These results indicate that the expected star‐shaped topology of the polymer is achieved.