Synthesis of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP)

Abstract

The controlled/“living” radical polymerization of n -butyl acrylate ( n-BA ) and 2-trimethylsilyloxyethyl acrylate ( TMS − HEA ) by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is reported. Di- and triblock copolymers with predefined block lengths and low polydispersities were obtained, using methyl 2-bromopropionate as the initiator, Cu I Br as catalyst and N, N, N ‘, N ‘‘, N ‘‘-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as the ligand. Hydrolysis of the trimethylsilyl groups led to block copolymers with n-BA and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate ( HEA ) units which were characterized by SEC, 1 H NMR, and DSC. Diblock copolymers of n-BA and HEA could also be obtained by successive addition of the two monomers, in that order. The amphiphilic di- and triblock copolymers formed dispersions in water.