Abstract

Well-controlled synthesis of ethynyl-functionalized poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is crucial for preparation of block copolymers containing the P3HT segment by means of click coupling reaction. A well-known chain end modification method, in which Kumada-Tamao catalyst-transfer polymerization is quenched with ethynylmagnesium chloride, under various conditions is re-examined, but in all cases not only P3HT with an ethynyl group at one end but also P3HT di-ethynylated at both ends is obtained. Accordingly, Sonogashira coupling reaction of P3HT having H/Br ends with trimethylsilylacetylene is tried, followed by removal of the trimethylsilyl group, and it is found that this protocol affords exclusively P3HT with an ethynyl group at one end. This post end-modification method is applied to the synthesis of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer of P3HT and poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) by means of click reaction between ethynylated P3HT and PEtOx with an azide group at one end, and the product is confirmed to be free from contamination with triblock copolymer. Micellization of this block copolymer is confirmed in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water and THF/methanol mixtures.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.