Evaluating the effect of termination by chain-chain coupling in living free-radical polymerizations

Jeffrey Pyun, Ian Rees, Jean M.J. Fréchet, Craig J. Hawker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

A novel approach based on the reaction of multifunctional star polymers with chromophore-labelled linear polymers is presented for evaluating the extent of termination by chain-chain coupling during living free-radical polymerizations. A mixed initiating system consisting of an unlabelled, multifunctional initiator and an excess of a monofunctional alkoxyamine initiator containing a chromophore, such as pyrene, is used to initiate the living polymerization of vinyl monomers leading to a mixture of star and linear polymers. The occurrence of chain-chain coupling is readily identified and quantified by isolating the star polymer that is obtained and elucidating the level of incorporation of pyrene units by UV/vis spectroscopy. This allows the level of chain-chain coupling to be determined since the inclusion of pyrene into the star structure is a direct result of termination by radical coupling.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)775-782
Number of pages8
JournalAustralian Journal of Chemistry
Volume56
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry

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