We have advanced the methodologies that are available to access well-defined functional polymers by simple and versatile routes that involve the selective polymerization of bifunctional monomers (upper panel). The approach has been demonstrated for several systems to afford well-defined polymers bearing diverse and latent functionalities on the pendant side chains. A diversity of polymerization chemistries and subsequent functionalization reactions has led to the preparation of two polymers having different backbone and side chain compositions and properties from a single bifunctional monomer (middle panel) and also extension to a wide range of polymer materials via subsequent chemical transformations (lower panel).

Functional Polymers via Selective Polymerization of Bifunctional Monomers

Karen L. Wooley, Washington University, DMR 0451490

Synthetic Methodology

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Two Polymers from One Monomer

Cycloalkenyl-functionalized Polymers

Ma, J.; Cheng, C.; Wooley, K. L. Macromolecules 2009, 42(5), 1565-1573

Li, A.; Ma, J.; Wooley, K. L. Macromolecules 2009, ASAP.

Controlling the Dimensions of Nanostructured Molecular Brushes

Karen L. Wooley, Washington University, DMR 0451490

Synthesis of Hetero-grafted Diblock Molecular Brushes by tandem RAFT (not shown) and ROMP

Because of the significant interest in synthetic macromolecular systems with high complexity and well-defined structure, we have focused upon the development of chemistries for the synthesis of molecular brushes. Our newly developed methodology provides exceptional control over the grafting density, the length of the backbone and the length of the side chains, each independently, to provide control over each dimension of these unique nanoscopic macromolecular objects. As one example, living radical (RAFT) and ring opening metathesis polymerizations (ROMP) were combined to synthesize molecular brushes having hetero-grafted diblock structures, which are being studied as precursors to build up more sophisticated nanostructures.

Broader Impacts: Transfer to industry, unique Ph.D. student training and science writing education

Karen L. Wooley, Washington University, DMR 0451490

WU & Covidien collaborators.

Zhou Li, the Corning Inc. Corporate Fellow, Washington University in Saint Louis magazine, Summer 2007 feature issue

We have established a strong and productive collaboration with Covidien, healthcare company located in Saint Louis, MO, to utilize our functional polymers and nanoscale materials as advanced medical imaging agents.

Mr. Zhou Li (a Ph.D. candidate) participated in symposia held by the McDonnell Academy Global Energy and Environment Partnership, a consortium of 25 universities and corporate partners worldwide working together in energy, environmental and sustainability research.

Professor Karen L. Wooley gave an interactive presentation to a class of fifth grade students to educate them about the importance and types of writing in scientific careers.

What does a scientist do and how is writing involved?