Model ω-functionalized linear polystyrenes with one, two, and three sulfobetaine end groups: Synthesis, characterization, and association behavior

Giorgos Sakellariou, Stergios Pispas, Nikos Hadjichristidis*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Three series of ω-functionalized polystyrenes (PS) with different molecular weights, the first consisting of dimethylamino end-capped PSs and the other two of ω-branched PSs end-capped with two and three low-molecular-weight (M̄n ∼ 500 g · mol-1) dimethylamino ω-functionalized polybutadienes (PB), were synthesized by high-vacuum anionic polymerization techniques using the functional initiator ([3-(dimethylaminopropyl)]lithium) and chlorosilane linking chemistry. The ω-dimethylamino polymers (precursors) were molecularly characterized by sizeexclusion chromatography, low-angle laser light scattering (LALLS), membrane osmometry, and NMR spectroscopy. The characterization results indicate a high degree of molecular and structural homogeneity. The dimethylamino end groups were transformed to the highly polar sulfozwitterionic ones (see Figure) by reaction with cyclopropanosultone. The mono-, di-, and tri-zwitterion capped polymers were found by LALLS, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and viscometry, to associate in carbon tetrachloride, a good nonpolar solvent for the PS tail. In contrast, results on dimethylamino-capped precursors show no evidence of aggregation. Aggregation numbers increase in decalin compared with those in carbon tetrachloride. At constant molecular weight of the parental PS, the degree of association increases with increasing number of functional groups and for a given number of functional groups with decreasing molecular weight of the PS tail. Temperature-dependent light scattering measurements in decalin indicate that aggregation persists at the highest temperature investigated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)146-154
Number of pages9
JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics
Volume204
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 30 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anionic polymerization
  • Association
  • Functionalization
  • Polystyrene

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

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