Polysilane block copolymers disilenes

Fig. 4 Approaches to the synthesis of polysilane block copolymers by living polymerization techniques (a) via anionic polymerization of masked disilenes (b) via anionic ring-opening polymerization of cyclotetrasilanes...

Polymerization ofiVIasked Disilenes. A novel approach, namely, the anionic polymerization of masked disilenes, has been used to synthesize a number of poly(dialkylsilanes) as well as the first dialkylamino substituted polysilanes (eq. 13) (111,112). The route is capable of providing monodisperse polymers with relatively high molecular weight M = lO" — 10 ), and holds promise of being a good method for the synthesis of alternating and block copolymers. 

The anionic polymerization of masked disilenes proceeds via living anions, and therefore block copolymerization with a conventional vinyl monomer is possible. Recently, interesting hydrophobic block copolymer of PMHS with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMMA) have been prepared (Scheme 11). These polymers can be self-assembled and are transformed into polysilane micelles, shell cross-linked micelles (SCM), and nanometer-sized hollow particles. ... 

Another route to polysilanes that involves the anionic polymerization of dis-ilabicyclooctadienes, which function as sources of masked disilenes (eq. 12), has been described (39,40). Amphiphilic block copolymers formed by this anionic route, such as poly(l,l-dimethyl-2,2-dihexyldisilene)-6-(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), undergo self-assembly to form micelles (41). 

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