POLYMERS WITH METAL BINDING UNITS: BIPYRIDINE AND TERPYRIDINE CONTAINING POLYOXAZOLINES

Abstract

2,2'-Bipyridines functionalized with one bromomethyl group in the 5-position were used as metallo-supramolecular initiators for the living cationic polymerization of 2-oxazolines utilizing cobalt(II), iron(II) and ruthenium(II) transition metal ions. The central metal ions could be removed using basic conditions resulting in uncomplexed polymers with a free metal binding side. The obtained polymers were characterized using NMR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, GPC and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The termination of the living end groups with an amino-functionalized terpyridine during the polymerization process opens the possibility for the construction of polymers with different metal binding sides. Due to the exact control of molecular weight, defined end groups and the variability of the oxazoline monomers new supramolecular polymers can be obtained.