Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2025

Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
Published on: June 20, 2019
RAFT solution polymerisation of bio-based γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone monomer in DMSO and Cyrene
Oliver J Harris1, Ryan R Larder1, Beth Jordan1
1Department of Material, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK. f.hatton@lboro.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) solution polymerisation of the bio-based lactone monomer γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (γMeMBL) has been demonstrated in DMSO and Cyrene. RAFT control was evidenced by control over molecular weights, low disperisites, and kinetic evaluation. Purified P(γMeMBL) homopolymers exhibited high glass transition temperatures (206-221 °C) and excellent thermal stabilities. This work demonstrates the first RAFT solution polymerisation of γMeMBL and the first example of RAFT polymerisation in Cyrene.
Related Concept Videos
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET)
Similar to cross-metathesis, ADMET also involves the formation of metallacyclobutane intermediate by [2+2] cycloaddition of one of the double bonds of a terminal diene with...
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the...
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Overview
Ruthenium-based Grubbs catalyst is the most commonly used catalyst for olefin metathesis polymerization. Grubbs catalyst consists...
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

