Controled radical polymerization in a green solvent: SET-LRP in ethyl lactate

Identifier:  TFG:1351

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG1351

Authors:  García Franco, Diego

Abstract:
A living polymerization is defined as a polymerization in which termination and chain-transfer are rigorously prevented or are negligible and, therefore, provides a polymer with perfect or near perfect chain-end functionality. This is a requirement for the synthesis of high molecular weight polymers, block copolymers, and polymers with complex topologies and architectures. Herein, the synthesis of polyacrylates by Cu(0) wire-catalyzed Single-Electron Transfer Living Radical Polymerization (SET-LRP) is reported in a user and environmentally friendly “green” solvent, ethyl lactate. The occurrence of a SET-LRP mechanism in this solvent was demonstrated via UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements following the disproportionation of Cu(I)Br, in the presence of tris[2-dimethylamino)etil]amine (Me6-TREN), into Cu(0) and Cu(II)Br2. The synthesis of hydrophobic and water insoluble [poly(methyl acrylate) and poly(butyl acrylate)] and hydrophilic and water soluble [poly(oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether acrylate)] was investigated. A combination of 1H NMR analysis, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) was used to characterize the synthesized polymers and to demonstrate its high chain end functionality. Finally the controlled behavior of the polymerization was confirmed using kinetic experiments.