6533b7d5fe1ef96bd12644d7

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Ferrocenyl Glycidyl Ether: A Versatile Ferrocene Monomer for Copolymerization with Ethylene Oxide to Water-Soluble, Thermoresponsive Copolymers

Martina SchömerCarsten DingelsFrederik R. WurmChristine TonhauserSandra RitzVolker MailänderHolger FreyArda Alkan

subject

chemistry.chemical_classificationPolymers and PlasticsEthylene oxideComonomerOrganic ChemistryEpoxidePolymerInorganic Chemistrychemistry.chemical_compoundMonomerchemistryFerrocenePolymer chemistryMaterials ChemistryCopolymerOrganic chemistryEthylene glycol

description

The first ferrocene-containing epoxide monomer, ferrocenyl glycidyl ether (fcGE), is introduced. The monomer has been copolymerized with ethylene oxide (EO). This leads to electroactive, water-soluble, and thermoresponsive poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derived copolyethers. Anionic homo- and copolymerization of fcGE with EO was possible. Molecular weights could be varied from 2000 to 10 000 g mol–1, resulting in polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.07–1.20). The ferrocene (fc) content was varied from 3 to 30 mol %, obtaining water-soluble materials up to 10 mol % incorporation of the apolar ferrocenyl comonomer. Despite the steric bulk of fcGE, random copolymers were obtained, as confirmed via detailed 1H NMR kinetic measurements as well as 13C NMR studies of the polymer microstructure, including detailed triad characterization. In addition, the poly(fcGE) homopolymer has been prepared. All water-soluble copolyethers with fc side chains exhibited a lower critical solution temperatur...

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2013-01-11Macromolecules
https://doi.org/10.1021/ma302241w