Synthetic Strategy for Preparing Chiral Double-semicrystalline Polyether Block Copolymers.

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Organic Synthesis

Background:

• Block copolymers offer tunable properties for various applications.
• Controlling stereochemistry in polymers is crucial for dictating material characteristics.
• Anionic ring-opening polymerization is a versatile method for polymer synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an effective strategy for synthesizing semi-crystalline block copolyethers with well-defined architecture and stereochemistry.
• To investigate the impact of stereochemical control on polymer and hydrogel properties.
• To prepare triblock copolymers with poly(propylene oxide) end blocks and a poly(ethylene oxide) mid-block.

Main Methods:

• Anionic ring-opening polymerization of epoxides.
• Hydrolytic kinetic resolution of racemic terminal epoxides for stereochemical control.
• Synthesis of triblock copolymers with atactic or isotactic poly(propylene oxide) end blocks.
• Characterization using optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray scattering techniques.

Main Results:

• Achieved effective synthesis of semi-crystalline block copolyethers with controlled stereochemistry.
• Prepared triblock copolymers with high isotacticity (meso triads [mm]% ~ 90%).
• Demonstrated the influence of isotacticity on the properties of the resulting polymers and hydrogels.

Conclusions:

• The developed strategy provides precise control over block copolymer architecture and stereochemistry.
• Stereochemical control significantly impacts the properties of semi-crystalline block copolyethers and their derived hydrogels.
• This work advances the synthesis of advanced polymer materials with tailored functionalities.