427: Reversibly Crosslinked Block Copolyether Micelles by Bisborane Catalyzed Anionic Ring Opening Polymerization of Glycidyl Ethers

U. Andreas Stihl^1,2*, Felix H. Schacher^1,2

¹Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany

²Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany

Functional block copolymers have for many years attracted significant attention as a material for use in surface coating [1], as micellar nanocarriers [2] or as templates for mesoporous materials [3]. One method to produce such polymers is the anionic ring opening polymerization (AROP) of glycidyl ethers (GE) using polyethylene oxide (PEO) as macroinitiator. In addition, the mild conditions used for AROP allow the introduction of additional functional groups, e.g. for reversible crosslinking.

Recently, the Naumann group has introduced bisborane catalysts for the rapid acquisition of polyethers with high molecular weights and low dispersity [4]. We herein demonstrate the application of such catalysts for the synthesis of high molecular weight polyether block copolymers, including sterically hindered acetonide-protected catechol glycidyl ether (CAGE). These block copolymers are then used to prepare core-corona micelles with pH-dependent crosslinks in the core.

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