Synthesis of pyridoxine‐based eagle‐shaped asymmetric star polymers through se ATRP

The vitamin B 6 ‐based macroinitiator was prepared for the first time by the transesterification reaction of pyridoxine with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide. A pyridoxine‐based star‐shaped block copolymer with a hydrophilic pyridoxine core and a dual hydrophilic poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)‐ block ‐poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) arms was synthesized for the first time via a simplified electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization, utilizing only 20 ppm of catalyst complex. The rate of the polymerizations was controlled by applying appropriate potential/current values during electrolysis to prevent the possibility of intermolecular coupling of the polymer stars. The asymmetric star polymers showed narrow molecular weight distribution ( Đ  = 1.09–1.13). 1 H NMR spectral results confirm the formation of star‐like block (co)polymers. These new vitamin B 6 ‐based eagle‐shaped star (co)polymers may find biomedical and biosensor applications as pH‐sensitive and thermo‐sensitive drug delivery systems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.