Synthesis of block copolymers containing a carbon chain and a polypeptide block

The bifunctional initiators, bis(2‐glycylaminophenyl) disulfide ( 1 ) and 2, 2′‐azo‐2,2′‐dimethyl‐dipropionohydrazide ( 2 ), were used to obtain polymeric initiators of two types: carbon chain initiators with amino end groups initiating the polymerization of amino acid N ‐carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) and symmetric polypeptide initiators containing SS or NN groups, which decompose on exposure to UV light or elevated temperature forming free radicals. These polymeric initiators were used to synthesize block copolymers (BC) containing carbon chain and polypeptide blocks of ABA and AB structures. It is shown that AB block copolymers are capable of aggregation to a much higher extent than those of ABA type. These BC can form liquid‐crystalline polymer structures and undergo controlled biodegradation by enzymes.