Stereochemical Sequence Dictates Unimolecular Diblock Copolymer Assembly

J Am Chem Soc. 2018 Feb 7;140(5):1596-1599. doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b12696. Epub 2018 Jan 22.

Abstract

Deciphering the significance of length, sequence, and stereochemistry in block copolymer self-assembly remains an ongoing challenge. A dearth of methods to access uniform block co-oligomers/polymers with precise stereochemical sequences has precluded such studies. Here, we develop iterative exponential growth methods for the synthesis of a small library of unimolecular stereoisomeric diblock 32-mers. X-ray scattering reveals that stereochemistry modulates the phase behavior of these polymers, which we rationalize based on simulations carried out on a theoretical model system. This work demonstrates that stereochemical sequence can play a crucial role in unimolecular polymer self-assembly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Molecular Conformation
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Polymers