Abstract

One route to achieve architectural control of synthetic macromolecules is through the synthesis of block copolymers.  We synthesized polyesters based block copolymers starting from end-functionalized polyester oligomers (telechelics).  Utilizing a concurrent ring-opening/chain transfer approach, telechelics with two different terminal functionalities were generated.  Those telechelics served as useful precursors for the synthesis of AB, ABC and BAB’ block copolymers in combination with atom transfer (ATRP) and nitroxide mediated (NMRP) free radical polymerization protocols.

            Current chemistry is concerned with the shape persistence of dendrimers.  Attaching mesogenic moieties at the periphery of dendrimers allows one to investigate the extent of deformation forced onto the dendrimer scaffold by the mesogens to adopt a liquid crystalline order.