Synthesis of branched bottlebrushes by the combination of ATRP, Pd(ii)-initiated isocyanide polymerization, and ROMP

Abstract

Branched bottlebrushes are a unique class of nanostructured polymers, and their versatile synthesis is of crucial significance. In this work, a bifunctional initiator was synthesized utilizing norbornene as the point of origin, incorporating bromide and Pd(II) complex in tandem. Branched bottlebrush copolymers comprising a mainchain of polynorbornene and branched side chains of a vinyl polymer and poly(phenyl isocyanide) were designed and prepared via the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), Pd(II)-initiated isocyanide polymerization, and ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Furthermore, a comprehensive characterization of the branched bottlebrushes has been conducted.