Synthesis of an End-Capping Agent and Its Use in a Co-Block Polymeriza

Here we report continued developments toward a new undergraduate experiment involving the synthesis of a macroinitiator and its use in the living synthesis of the diblock copolymer poly(styrene-b-methacrylonitrile). The experimental design will require students to use a variety of methods to synthesize a living-living polymer end-capping agent. It is then used in the synthesis of a terminally functionalized polystyrene oligomer for use as an anionic macroinitiator for the subsequent preparation of poly(styrene-b-methacrylonitrile). This experiment is appropriate for an upper-level laboratory course in advanced organic or polymer chemistry. Students will gain experience in multi-step organic synthesis, product separation and purification, living polymerization, polymer modification, and advanced characterization techniques.