C. Tonhauser, Arda Alkan, Martina Schoemer
Jan 11, 2013
Citations
0
Influential Citations
69
Citations
Journal
Macromolecules
Abstract
The first ferrocene-containing epoxide monomer, ferrocenyl glycidyl ether (fcGE), is introduced. The monomer has been copolymerized with ethylene oxide (EO). This leads to electroactive, water-soluble, and thermoresponsive poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derived copolyethers. Anionic homo- and copolymerization of fcGE with EO was possible. Molecular weights could be varied from 2000 to 10 000 g mol–1, resulting in polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.07–1.20). The ferrocene (fc) content was varied from 3 to 30 mol %, obtaining water-soluble materials up to 10 mol % incorporation of the apolar ferrocenyl comonomer. Despite the steric bulk of fcGE, random copolymers were obtained, as confirmed via detailed 1H NMR kinetic measurements as well as 13C NMR studies of the polymer microstructure, including detailed triad characterization. In addition, the poly(fcGE) homopolymer has been prepared. All water-soluble copolyethers with fc side chains exhibited a lower critical solution temperatur...