Classical polymer chemistry teaches us that a single functional group  does not contribute to the polymer properties, which is true in most cases. However, nature tells us a different story. The photoisomerization of a single retinal molecule inside the protein rhodopsin is the mechanism for the highly sensitive ocular system found in vertebrate photoreceptors. This has motivated us to develop synthetic methods to install single reactive groups along a polymer chain or at the chain end. Thus, by post-polymerization modification single functional units can precisely be introduced.We could show the successful post-polymerization modification by chemical reactants or by UV irradiation. In both cases, a dramatic change of at least one property had been achieved, making them useful materials for various applications.

Controlled installation of single reactive groups along a polymer chain or at the chain ends

244th National Meeting (2012)

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