Synthesis of Mono-Functional Olefin Metathesis Polymers

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Andreas Kilbinger
• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: from 2007 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 47263954

The aim of this research proposal is to provide new synthetic routes for the preparation of well-defined mono-end-functional metathesis polymers. Currently, the ring opening metathesis polymerisation (ROMP) allows the synthesis of well-defined polymers from a large pool of functional monomers. The introduction of exactly one well-defined functional end-group, however, is difficult to achieve. While otherwise a very attractive polymerisation technique even for the non-specialist, this drawback has limited its application across interdisciplinary borders. We recently demonstrated a new synthetic approach to overcome this limitation using an easy to follow sacrificial block-copolymer technique. The preliminary work was limited to hydroxy functional groups. Here we propose the development of this approach in order to be able to introduce a variety of functional groups such as amines, thiols or carboxylic acids to the end of a well-define functional polymer. Polymers carrying one type of functional group along the polymer chain while providing a different functionality at the chain end are otherwise difficult to prepare and particularly useful for the synthesis of biomacromolecule conjugates, block copolymers, surfactants, colloids and the functionalisation of surfaces and nano-particles.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants