Facile and Efficient One‐Pot Transformation of RAFT Polymer End Groups via a Mild Aminolysis/Michael Addition Sequence

Abstract

Summary: The trithiocarbonate end groups of polymers prepared by RAFT polymerization are converted into colorless and stable thioethers in a one‐pot process that combines aminolysis of the trithiocarbonate functions and Michael addition of the resulting thiols to α, β‐unsaturated carbonyl derivatives. This post polymerization procedure, which is carried out under mild conditions to near quantitative conversion, is described in the case of a telechelic poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) sample bearing isobutylsulfanylthiocarbonylsulfanyl end groups. The chemical composition, purity, and molar masses of the modified polymers are assessed by GPC, 1 H NMR spectroscopy and UV‐vis spectroscopy, which together demonstrate the efficiency of the method and confirm that the molecular weight and polydispersity of the precursor RAFT polymer are not affected by the treatment. The facile, one pot synthesis combines the reactions of trithiocarbonate aminolysis and Michael addition of a thiol to an α, β‐unsaturated ester to transform the labile, colored thiocarbonylthio moiety into a stable, colorless thioether. imageThe facile, one pot synthesis combines the reactions of trithiocarbonate aminolysis and Michael addition of a thiol to an α, β‐unsaturated ester to transform the labile, colored thiocarbonylthio moiety into a stable, colorless thioether.