Synthesis of Riboflavin‐Based Macromolecules through Low ppm ATRP in Aqueous Media

Abstract

Abstract A vitamin‐B 2 ‐based macroinitiator is prepared by esterification of riboflavin with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide. Following the “core first” methodology, “phoenix”‐shape (co)polymers with a polar riboflavin core and either a hydrophobic (poly( n ‐butyl acrylate) or poly(methyl methacrylate)) or hydrophilic (poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide)‐ block ‐poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) acrylate) or poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide)‐ block ‐poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate)) tails are synthesized via low ppm atom transfer radical polymerization procedures. Polymers have predetermined molecular weights and a low dispersity ( Ð < 1.2). 1 H NMR analysis confirms the successful formation of targeted (co)polymers with the preserved riboflavin functionality.