Synthesis of polymeric topological isomers based on sequential Ugi-4CR and thiol–yne click reactions with sequence-controlled amino-functionalized polymers

Polymeric topological isomers have been designed and synthesized with sequence-controlled amino functionalized polymers.

Terpolymers from Borane-Initiated Copolymerization of Triphenyl Arsonium and Sulfoxonium Ylides: An Unexpected Light Emission

The first synthesis of well-defined poly[(phenylmethylene-co-methylpropenylene)-b-methylene, [(C1-co-C3)-b-C1], terpolymers was achieved by one-pot borane-initiated random copolymerization of ω-methylallyl (C3 units, chain is growing by three carbon atoms at a time) and benzyltriphenylarsonium (C1 units, chain is growing by one carbon atom at a time) ylides, followed by polymerization of sulfoxonium methylide (C1 units). Other substituted arsonium ylides, such as prenyltriphenyl, propyltriphenyl and (4-fluorobenzyl)triphenyl can also be used instead of benzyltriphenylarsonium. The obtained terpolymers are well-defined, possess a predictable molecular weight and low polydispersity (Mn,NMR =1.83-9.68×103  g mol-1 , Đ=1.09-1.22). An unexpected light emission phenomenon was discovered in these non-conjugated terpolymers, as confirmed by fluorescence and NMR spectroscopy. This phenomenon can be explained by the isomerization of the double bonds of allylic monomeric units along the chain of the terpolymers (isomerization-induced light emission).

Reactive nano-patterns in triple structured bio-inspired honeycomb films as a clickable platform

Towards unprecedented triple structured bio-inspired honeycomb film by selfassembly of a functional block copolymer during breath figure templating as a nano-patterned clickable platform.

The secondary structures of PEG-functionalized random copolymers derived from (R)- and (S)- families of alkyne polycarbodiimides

Macromolecular micelles: a hydrophobic polyamidine backbone surrounded by hydrophilic PEG chains.

Styrene and substituted styrene grafted functional polyolefins via nitroxide mediated polymerization

Functionalized polyolefins bearing alkoxyamines derived from a nitroxide radical coupling reaction were successfully used as macroinitiators to graft polystyrene or substituted polystyrene brushes via nitroxide mediated polymerization.

Nano-Star-Shaped Polymers for Drug Delivery Applications

With the advancement of polymer engineering, complex star-shaped polymer architectures can be synthesized with ease, bringing about a host of unique properties and applications. The polymer arms can be functionalized with different chemical groups to fine-tune the response behavior or be endowed with targeting ligands or stimuli responsive moieties to control its physicochemical behavior and self-organization in solution. Rheological properties of these solutions can be modulated, which also facilitates the control of the diffusion of the drug from these star-based nanocarriers. However, these star-shaped polymers designed for drug delivery are still in a very early stage of development. Due to the sheer diversity of macromolecules that can take on the star architectures and the various combinations of functional groups that can be cross-linked together, there remain many structure-property relationships which have yet to be fully established. This review aims to provide an introductory perspective on the basic synthetic methods of star-shaped polymers, the properties which can be controlled by the unique architecture, and also recent advances in drug delivery applications related to these star candidates.

Supramolecular Graft Copolymerization of a Polyester by Guest-Selective Encapsulation of a Self-Assembled Capsule

Repeating guest units of polyesters poly-(R)-2 were selectively encapsulated by capsule 1(BF₄ )₄ to produce supramolecular graft polymers. The encapsulation of the guest units was confirmed by ¹ H NMR spectroscopy. The graft polymer structures were confirmed by the increase in the hydrodynamic radii and the solution viscosities of the polyesters upon complexation of the capsule. After the capsule was formed, atomic force microscopy showed extension of the polyester chains. The introduction of the graft chains onto poly-(R)-2 resulted in the main chain of the polymer having an M-helical morphology. The complexation of copolymers poly-[(R)-2-co-(S)-2] by the capsule gave rise to the unique chiral amplification known as the majority-rules effect.

Synthesis of polymethylene-b-poly(vinyl acetate) block copolymer via visible light induced radical polymerization and its application

Polymethylene-b-poly(vinyl acetate) block copolymers were synthesized by polyhomologation of ylides and visible light-induced degenerative iodine transfer polymerization of vinyl acetate.

C1 polymerization: a unique tool towards polyethylene-based complex macromolecular architectures

The recent developments in organoborane initiated C1 polymerization of ylides open unique horizons towards perfectly linear polymethylenes (equivalent to PE) and PE-based complex structures. This review summarizes research on conventional and newly discovered initiators/ylides, as well as initial efforts on C3 polymerization.

Allyl borates: a novel class of polyhomologation initiators

Allyl borates, a new class of monofunctional polyhomologation initiators, are reported. Upon increasing the ratio [ylide]/[B] the PM molecular weight increases correspondingly. The initiation mechanism was elucidated by¹H and¹¹B NMR.