A general method for the synthesis and isolation of well-defined core cross-linked multistar assemblies: A route toward enhanced ph-responsive polymers

Abstract

A general method for the synthesis of well-defined multistar assemblies (in which the stars contain cross-linked cores) involving the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of macroinitiators (MIs) and cross-linker with the use of telechelic macroinitiators (TMIs) as the connecting blocks is described. Isolation of each type of multistar assembly with a high degree of specificity was achieved via a simple fractional precipitation process. Selective degradation of the PMMA-based and P'BMA-based multistar assemblies into their individual star units via cleavage of the disulfide group within the connecting blocks confirmed the synthesis of well-defined, low-polydispersity PMMA-based trista..