Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Using Multidentate Amine Ligands Supported on Soluble Hyperbranched Polyglycidol

Summary: Controlled polymerization of styrene in toluene was achieved by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using hyperbranched polyglycidol‐supported multidentate amine ligands/CuIBr catalyst systems. These catalyst systems with nanoscopic dimensions were more active than the corresponding low‐molecular‐weight ligands. The controlled/living nature of the polymerization is supported by linear first order plots (ln[M]o/[M] versus time) and a linear increase of M ₙ versus conversion as well as low polydispersity. Similar controlled polymerization of methyl methacrylate was possible in acetonitrile. Up to 97% of total copper used for polymerization could be removed from the polymer by simple precipitation in methanol and filtration. Molecular weight characteristics for styrene polymerization using PG‐triamine as a ligand. magnified image Molecular weight characteristics for styrene polymerization using PG‐triamine as a ligand.