Sequence selection during copolymerization.

Terpolymerization kinetics of amino acid N-carboxy anhydrides

Based on their versatility with respect to amino acid type and sequence, polypeptides have become attractive for a number of biological applications such as drug delivery, biomineralization, and drugs. N-carboxy anhydride (NCA) polymerization is a convenient way to rapidly prepare high-molecular weight polypeptides with good control over molecular weight and polydispersity. However, the kinetic...

Mechanism-based design of a ROMP catalyst for sequence-selective copolymerization.

New Statistical Models for Copolymerization

For many years, copolymerization has been studied using mathematical and statistical models. Here, we present new Markov chain models for copolymerization kinetics: the Bernoulli and Geometric models. They model copolymer synthesis as a random process and are based on a basic reaction scheme. In contrast to previous Markov chain approaches to copolymerization, both models take variable chain le...

Reactivity ratios, and mechanistic insight for anionic ring-opening copolymerization of epoxides.

Reactivity ratios were evaluated for anionic ring-opening copolymerizations of ethylene oxide (EO) with either allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) or ethylene glycol vinyl glycidyl ether (EGVGE) using a benzyl alkoxide initiator. The chemical shift for the benzylic protons of the initiator, as measured by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, were observed to be sensitive to the sequence of the first two monomers adde...

Catalysts for CO2/epoxide ring-opening copolymerization

This article summarizes and reviews recent progress in the development of catalysts for the ring-opening copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxides. The copolymerization is an interesting method to add value to carbon dioxide, including from waste sources, and to reduce pollution associated with commodity polymer manufacture. The selection of the catalyst is of critical importance to contr...