Polymer LEGO Blocks by nitroxide mediated polymerization

We have employed nitroxide mediated polymn. techniques for the synthesis of terpyridine-functionalized block copolymers using an initiator that bears the terpyridine ligand. Block copolymers consist of polystyrene-polybutylacrylate and polystyrene-polyisoprene of varying mol. wts. Excellent control was found upon polymn. of the first monomer and clean chain extensions were obsd. upon polymn. of the second monomers. These block copolymers offer new ways into ABBA triblock and ABCD metallosupramol. block copolymers upon addn. of metal ions, since two terpyridine ligand will form a linear connection between the substituents on the ligand through the metal coordination. Hopefully, the first results regarding morphol. and rheol. of these new and exciting materials can be presented