One‐Pot Synthesis of ABCDE Multiblock Copolymers with Hydrophobic, Hydrophilic, and Semi‐Fluorinated Segments

Abstract

The scope and accessibility of sequence-controlled multiblock copolymers is demonstrated by direct "in situ" polymerization of hydrophobic, hydrophilic and fluorinated monomers. Key to the success of this strategy is the ability to synthesize ABCDE, EDCBA and EDCBABCDE sequences with high monomer conversions (>98 %) through iterative monomer additions, yielding excellent block purity and low overall molar mass dispersities (Ð<1.16). Small-angle X-ray scattering showed that certain sequences can form well-ordered mesostructures. This synthetic approach constitutes a simple and versatile platform for expanding the availability of tailored polymeric materials from readily available monomers.

Self‐Assembly of Multiblock Copolymers

“…How many blocks can we add while still keeping control over length dispersity (and reinitiation)? Nowadays the synthesis of BCPs with 5, 10 or more blocks is still not state‐of‐the art, but convincing concepts are demonstrated for various systems . An even higher level of control is currently expected from precision polymers with an edited monomer sequence resembling protein sequences on a basic level.…”

A New Strategy to Synthesize α,ω‐Dihydroxy Multiblock Copolymers via [CpRu(CH3CN)3]PF6/Quinaldic Acid Catalyst

“…Multiblock copolymers (MBCs) containing random (ABBAAB) and alternating (ABABAB) segments have attracted significant scientific interest, owing to their resulting microphase‐separated morphologies, different thermal and mechanical properties with a growing list of realized and potential applications . Currently, major sy nthesis methods to get MBCs relying on polycondensation can be divided into two categories, that is, click chemistry and coupling chemistry of α,ω‐dihydroxy to form urethane, ester, or amide bonds .…”

Organic Arsenicals as Functional Motifs in Polymer and Biomaterials Science

“…Recent advances in the field of RDRP allow this activation–deactivation equilibrium to be manipulated to afford unprecedented control over molecular weight and molecular weight distribution ( Ð ). Furthermore, through the use of functional monomers and initiating/mediating reagents, homo‐ and (multi)block copolymers can be prepared with precise control of the end‐group functionality and discrete control over the functional domains present throughout the polymer composition …”