Thiophene α-Chain-End-Functionalized Oligo(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) as Precursor Amphiphilic Macromonomer for Grafted Conjugated Oligomers/Polymers and as a Multifunctional Material with Relevant Properties for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Because the combination of π-conjugated polymers with biocompatible synthetic counterparts leads to the development of bio-relevant functional materials, this paper reports a new oligo(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (OMeOx)-containing thiophene macromonomer, denoted Th-OMeOx. It can be used as a reactive precursor for synthesis of a polymerizable 2,2’-3-OMeOx-substituted bithiophene by Suzuki coupling. Also a grafted polythiophene amphiphile with OMeOx side chains was synthesized by its self-acid-assisted polymerization (SAAP) in bulk. The results showed that Th-OMeOx is not only a reactive intermediate but also a versatile functional material in itself. This is due to the presence of 2-bromo-substituted thiophene and ω-hydroxyl functional end-groups, and due to the multiple functionalities encoded in its structure (photosensitivity, water self-dispersibility, self-assembling capacity). Thus, analysis of its behavior in solvents of different selectivities revealed that Th-OMeOx forms self-assembled structures (micelles or vesicles) by “direct dissolution”.Unexpectedly, by exciting the Th-OMeOx micelles formed in water with λabs of the OMeOx repeating units, the intensity of fluorescence emission varied in a concentration-dependent manner.These self-assembled structures showed excitation-dependent luminescence as well. Attributed to the clusteroluminescence phenomenon due to the aggregation and through space interactions of electron-rich groups in non-conjugated, non-aromatic OMeOx, this behavior certifies that polypeptides mimic the character of Th-OMeOx as a non-conventional intrinsic luminescent material.

Progress in process parameters and mechanism research of polymer emulsion preparation

“…1 and 2, microgels were synthesized by copolymerization of different molar masses and molar ratios of macromolecular monomers with N -vinylcaprolactam (NVCL). Bendrea AncaDana 30 studied a thienyl macromolecular monomer containing oligo(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (OMeOx) units (Th-OMeOx) as a reactive precursor, which was used to synthesize polymerizable 2,2′-3-OMeOx-substituted terthiophenes through Suzuki coupling reactions. The research findings indicate that Th-OMeOx exhibits various functional properties such as water self-dispersibility, self-assembling structures, and the formation of micelles in water, which enhance the strength of concrete.…”