Oligo(glycerol) Methacrylate Macromonomers

Linear, protected ω-methoxy oligo(glycerol) methacrylate (OGly(P)MA) macromonomers are synthesized via anionic ring-opening polymerization of ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) followed by termination with methacrylic acid anhydride (DP(n) = 3-11, PDI < 1.30). The covalently bound methacrylate moiety allows the homopolymerization of OGly(P)MA as well as copolymerization with low molecular weight comonomers. In homopolymerizations, macromonomers are polymerized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) yielding well-defined graft polymers (M(n) = 20,000-30,000 g mol(-1)). Acidic hydrolysis of the protecting groups releases water-soluble polyhydroxy-functional structures. First results on the copolymerization with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) are given in the final part of this work.