Polymerization techniques are used extensively by practicing chemists, and it is important to educate undergraduate students on the value of polymer chemistry. Here we report our recent progress on the development of an undergraduate laboratory experiment, which can be integrated into the curriculum to introduce polymer chemistry at institutions of all sizes. The finalized experiment will use a variety of techniques and methods to synthesize an end-capping agent for living anionic polymerization. Specifically, it will be used to produce a terminally functionalized polystyrene oligomer for use as an anionic macroinitiator for the preparation of poly(styrene-b-methacrylonitrile). The selection of reagents and procedures will allow schools of all demographics to introduce polymer chemistry into their undergraduate laboratory courses; while providing valuable experience in multi-step organic synthesis, product separation and purification, living anionic polymerization, polymer modification, and advanced characterization techniques.

Synthesis of a polymer end-capping agent: Continued development of an undergraduate laboratory experiment

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.