Synthesis and characterization of quaternary phosphonium-containing, trithiocarbonate RAFT agents

Abstract

In this article the syntheses of quaternary phosphonium-containing trithiocarbonate RAFT agents (RAFT-PR₃, R = Bu and Ph) and their use in the bulk, thermally initiated polymerization of styrene were examined. It was found that the thermal stabilities of RAFT-PR₃ were enhanced compared to comparable quaternary ammonium-containing RAFT agents, which significantly improved the retention of the cationic end-functionality of the polystyrene obtained by high temperature bulk polymerization. The crude polystyrene was further purified via column chromatography to yield high purity hemi-telechelic polystyrene cationomers.