Modular synthesis and facile network formation of catechol functionalized triblock copolymers

We report the synthesis of catechol-functionalized symmetric triblock polymers comprising densely functionalized catechol endblocks using anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) and thiol–ene click chemistry. The simplicity and modularity of our approach rely on a two-step synthesis that eliminates the need for catechol protection and enables the functionalization of precisely synthesized precursor polymers with catechol-containing thiols. Partial oxidation of the catechols on the triblock polymers to quinones enabled rapid gelation (within seconds) while retaining strong adhesive attributes.