Polymerization of Epoxides at a Static Oil-Alkaline Water Interface.

'On-water' catalysis entails the significant enhancement of a chemical reaction by water, even when those reactions are known to be water-sensitive. Here, the findings about the anionic ring opening polymerization of epoxides at the static interface between oil and alkaline water are shared. Unexpectedly, high molar mass fractions are observed with the interfacial system presented herein, albeit at very low conversions (< 5%).

Tailoring thermoresponsiveness of biocompatible polyethers: copolymers of linear glycerol and ethyl glycidyl ether.

Linear polyglycerol is known as a highly hydrophilic and biocompatible polymer that is currently considered for numerous medical applications. Derived from this well-known structure, the synthesis of highly biocompatible, thermoresponsive polyether copolymers statistical anionic ring-opening copolymerization of ethyl glycidyl ether (EGE) and ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) is described. Subsequent deprotection of the acetal groups of EEGE yields copolymers of linear glycerol (G) and EGE, P(G--EGE).

End Group Functionality of 95-99%: Epoxide Functionalization of Polystyryl-Lithium Evaluated via Solvent Gradient Interaction Chromatography.

End group functionality is a key parameter of functional polymer chains. The end-capping efficiency of living polystyryl lithium with various epoxides, namely ethylene oxide (EO), ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) and isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether (IGG), is investigated with solvent gradient interaction chromatography (SGIC). Generally, end-capping efficiencies >95% are observed.

"Dumb" pH-Independent and Biocompatible Hydrogels Formed by Copolymers of Long-Chain Alkyl Glycidyl Ethers and Ethylene Oxide.

The formation and rheological properties of hydrogels based on amphiphilic ABA triblock polyether copolymers are described, relying solely on the hydrophobic interaction of long-chain alkyl glycidyl ether (AlkGE)- based A-blocks that are combined with a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) midblock. Via anionic ring-opening copolymerization (AROP), ethylene oxide (EO) and long-chain alkyl glycidyl ethers (AlkGEs) were copolymerized, using deprotonated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macroinitiators ( of 10, 20 kg mol). The polymerization afforded amphiphilic ABA triblock copolymers with molar masses in the range of 21-32 kg mol and dispersities () of = 1.