Synthesis and Characterization of Linear, Homopolyester, Benzoyl-Protected Bis-MPA

Authors

Oluwapelumi O. Kareem, Tulane UniversityFollow
Samantha P. Daymon, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Christopher B. Keller, Tulane University
Beibei Chen, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Sergei Nazarenko, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Scott M. Grayson, Tulane University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-31-2020

School

Polymer Science and Engineering

Abstract

Because of the growing interest in bis-MPA dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers, a linear, polyester equivalent is of great importance in understanding how this commercially viable family of branched polymers behaves when compared to their linear analogs. Herein, we describe the first synthesis and characterization of a novel, linear, chain-growth bis-MPA homopolyester that can be used for such an investigation. Linear benzoyl bis-MPA or poly(3-(benzoyloxy)-2-(bromomethyl)-2-methylpropanoic acid) (PBBM) was synthesized efficiently using a small molecule brominated bis-MPA derivative followed by a chain-addition polymerization using potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃). This polymerization can take place in a range of solvents with low dispersity values (<1.2). The polymerization mechanism and the postfunctionalization of PBBM are discussed. A preliminary solution size comparison using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was also conducted with respect to benzylidene-protected bis-MPA dendrimers.

Publication Title

Macromolecules

Volume

53

Issue

15

First Page

6608

Last Page

6618

Recommended Citation

Kareem, O. O., Daymon, S. P., Keller, C. B., Chen, B., Nazarenko, S., Grayson, S. M. (2020). Synthesis and Characterization of Linear, Homopolyester, Benzoyl-Protected Bis-MPA. Macromolecules, 53(15), 6608-6618.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/18084