High molecular weight functionalized poly(ethylene oxide)

Conventional Oxyanionic versus Monomer-Activated Anionic Copolymerization of Ethylene Oxide with Glycidyl Ethers: Striking Differences in Reactivity Ratios

Detailed understanding of the monomer distribution in copolymers is essential to tailor their properties. For the first time, we have been able to utilize in situ ¹H NMR spectroscopy to monitor the monomer-activated anionic ring opening copolymerization (AROP) of ethylene oxide (EO) with a glycidyl ether comonomer, namely, ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE). We determine reactivity ratios and draw a direct comparison to conventional oxyanionic ROP. Surprisingly, the respective monomer reactivities differ strongly between the different types of AROP. Under conventional oxyanionic conditions similar monomer reactivities of EO and EEGE are observed, leading to random structures (r_EO = 1.05 ± 0.02, r_EEGE = 0.94 ± 0.02). Addition of a cation complexing agent (18-crown-6) showed no influence on the relative reactivity of EO and EEGE (r_EO = r_EEGE = 1.00 ± 0.02). In striking contrast, monomer-activated AROP produces very different monomer reactivities, affording strongly tapered copolymer structures (r_EO = 8.00 ± 0.16, r_EEGE = 0.125 ± 0.003). These results highlight the importance of understanding reactivity ratios of comonomer pairs under certain polymerization conditions, at the same time demonstrating the ability to generate both random and strongly tapered P(EO-co-EEGE) polyethers by simple one-pot statistical anionic copolymerization. These observations may be generally valid for the copolymerization of EO and glycidyl ethers.

Polyglycidol, Its Derivatives, and Polyglycidol-Containing Copolymers-Synthesis and Medical Applications

Polyglycidol (or polyglycerol) is a biocompatible polymer with a main chain structure similar to that of poly(ethylene oxide) but with a ⁻CH₂OH reactive side group in every structural unit. The hydroxyl groups in polyglycidol not only increase the hydrophilicity of this polymer but also allow for its modification, leading to polymers with carboxyl, amine, and vinyl groups, as well as to polymers with bonded aliphatic chains, sugar moieties, and covalently immobilized bioactive compounds in particular proteins. The paper describes the current state of knowledge on the synthesis of polyglycidols with various topology (linear, branched, and star-like) and with various molar masses. We provide information on polyglycidol-rich surfaces with protein-repelling properties. We also describe methods for the synthesis of polyglycidol-containing copolymers and the preparation of nano- and microparticles that could be derived from these copolymers. The paper summarizes recent advances in the application of polyglycidol and polyglycidol-containing polymers as drug carriers, reagents for diagnostic systems, and elements of biosensors.

Polymerization of Ethylene Oxide, Propylene Oxide, and Other Alkylene Oxides: Synthesis, Novel Polymer Architectures, and Bioconjugation

The review summarizes current trends and developments in the polymerization of alkylene oxides in the last two decades since 1995, with a particular focus on the most important epoxide monomers ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO), and butylene oxide (BO). Classical synthetic pathways, i.e., anionic polymerization, coordination polymerization, and cationic polymerization of epoxides (oxiranes), are briefly reviewed. The main focus of the review lies on more recent and in some cases metal-free methods for epoxide polymerization, i.e., the activated monomer strategy, the use of organocatalysts, such as N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs) as well as phosphazene bases. In addition, the commercially relevant double-metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst systems are discussed. Besides the synthetic progress, new types of multifunctional linear PEG (mf-PEG) and PPO structures accessible by copolymerization of EO or PO with functional epoxide comonomers are presented as well as complex branched, hyperbranched, and dendrimer like polyethers. Amphiphilic block copolymers based on PEO and PPO (Poloxamers and Pluronics) and advances in the area of PEGylation as the most important bioconjugation strategy are also summarized. With the ever growing toolbox for epoxide polymerization, a "polyether universe" may be envisaged that in its structural diversity parallels the immense variety of structural options available for polymers based on vinyl monomers with a purely carbon-based backbone.

Aliphatic Polyethers: Classical Polymers for the 21st Century

Polyethers-polymers with the structural element (R'-O-R)n in their backbone--are an old class of polymers which were already used at the time of the ancient Egyptians. However, still today these materials are highly important with applications in all areas of our life, reaching from the automotive and paper industry to cosmetics and biomedical applications. In this Review, different aliphatic polyethers like poly(epoxide)s, poly(oxetane)s, and poly(tetrahydrofuran) are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the history, the polymerization techniques (industrially and in academia), the properties, the applications as well as recent developments of these materials.

Hyperbranched PEG by random copolymerization of ethylene oxide and glycidol

The synthesis of hyperbranched poly(ethylene glycol) (hbPEG) in one step was realized by random copolymerization of ethylene oxide and glycidol, leading to a biocompatible, amorphous material with multiple hydroxyl functionalities. A series of copolymers with moderate polydispersity ($\overline {M} _{{\rm w}} /\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ < 1.8) was obtained with varying glycidol content (3-40 mol-%) and molecular weights up to 49 800 g mol(-1) . The randomly branched structure of the copolymers was confirmed by (1) H and (13) C NMR spectroscopy and thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry). MTS assay demonstrated low cell toxicity of the hyperbranched PEG, comparable to the highly established linear PEG.

Hetero-Multifunctional Poly(ethylene glycol) Copolymers with Multiple Hydroxyl Groups and a Single Terminal Functionality

Hetero-multifunctional poly(ethylene glycol-co-glycerol) random copolymers with multiple hydroxyl functionalities and a single terminal functionality have been prepared by copolymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) with the use of a suitable initiator, introducing a protected amino group or a double bond, respectively. Acidic deprotection was used for removal of the acetal protecting groups in the chain, and the terminal amino group was regenerated by catalytic hydrogenation. A series of copolymers with narrow polydispersity was obtained, varying comonomer fractions from 3 to 67% and molecular weights in the range of 5 000-32 000 g · mol(-1) (1.05 < $\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ < 1.25). Molecular and thermal characterization was carried out using (1) H- and (13) C NMR, SEC and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).