Dual function of a living polymerization initiator through the formation of a chain-end-protecting cluster: density functional theory calculation.

Sodium benzanilide (Na(+)BA(-)) initiators have opened a new route to living anionic polymerization of n-hexylisocyanate (HIC) with 100% yield and controlled molecular weight. The NaBA initiators not only provide initiation points for polymerization by attacking HIC monomers but also successfully prevent back-biting side reactions without any help from additives. Our hypothesis on this dual function of the NaBA initiators is that they self-assemble to form protection shields around the chain ends.

Arrangement of C60 via the self-assembly of post-functionalizable polyisocyanate block copolymer.

Poly(furfuryl isocyanate) (PFIC), which includes the reactive furan group, was synthesized by anionic polymerization using a sodium benzhydroxide (Na-BH), self-assembly initiator. We determined the optimum polymerization conditions by varying both the reaction time and the molar ratio of the monomer to the initiator. Block copolymer, poly(furfuryl isocyanate)-b-poly(n-hexyl isocyanate), was synthesized under optimized polymerization conditions.