| Description |
The project focuses on expanding the scope of the new approach to the synthesis of complex polymeric architectures that has been recently developed in our laboratory. This new approach consists in the use of trichloroacetate groups as multifunctional initiators for copper-catalyzed reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (Cu-RDRP), whereby the initiation groups can be introduced into a variety of low- and high-molecular weight substrates in an easy, rapid, and clean fashion by the reaction with trichloroacetyl isocyanate. This methodology greatly facilitates the preparation of many known types of polymeric architectures and enables the preparation of new ones. The first goal is to optimize the polymerization conditions for trichloroacetyl group-initiated Cu-RDRP of additional monomer types, particularly (meth)acrylamides. Further, we will study the pH-sensitivity of different linkers through which the initiation groups can be attached to various substrates, with the focus on related applications (e.g. in drug delivery). Finally, the scope of the new methodology will be further expanded by in the modification of natural polymers and preparation and characterization of new types of polymeric architectures. |
