Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a hydrophilic polymer, commonly used in batteries, medicine, pharmacy, and various industry. To achieve what synthesizes high value PEG, the synthesis of functionalized PEG has been of interest. Usually, functionalized-PEG is synthesized from epoxide monomers. However, the scope of monomers is limited due to functional group incompatibility and uneven reactivity. To overcome these limitations, the synthesis of functionalized-PEG via post-modification polymerization is preferred. Using the C-H functionalization strategy, PEG was directly functionalized. The reactive radical intermediate was captured by disulfide, producing the corresponding thiolated-PEG without decreasing the molecular weight. In conclusion, we developed an efficient post-modification polymerization methodology as a new protocol to introduce various thiolate functional groups along the polymer backbone. The reaction development and scope of our development will be discussed.

Synthesis of thiolated-poly ethylene glycol via post-modification polymerization

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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