Cross-Linked Nanospheres of Poly(2-cinnamoylethyl methacrylate) with Immediately Attached Surface Functional Groups

A polyisoprene- block -poly(2-cinnamoyethyl methacrylate) (PI- b -PCEMA) sample with a narrow molar mass distribution was prepared and characterized. The sample formed spherical micelles in hexanes/THF with 20% of THF by volume. After photo-cross-linking of the PCEMA core took place, the PI corona block was cleft by ozone and (CH 3 ) 3 P treatment to produce PCEMA nanospheres with surface carbonyl groups or PCEMA−CO nanospheres. These spheres were stable without any added surfactant in a good solvent for PCEMA. Reaction of the carbonyl groups with cyclopentadiene catalyzed by pyrrolidine yielded fulvene-covered nanospheres, PCEMA−FV nanospheres, which possessed better solubility in organic solvents than the PCEMA−CO spheres. This work represents the first attempt at the preparation of cross-linked nanospheres with immediately attached surface functional groups from block copolymers. When appropriately functionalized, these nanospheres should be useful as solid lubricant or support for catalysts.