Intra-chain radical chemistry as a route to poly(norbornene imide) single-chain nanoparticles: structural considerations and the role of adventitious oxygen

Attempting to design an efficient and scalable method for producing functionalized single-chain nanoparticles, we investigated intra-chain radical polymerization of pendant methacryloyl decorated poly(norbornene) imides. Upon radical initiation, nanoparticle formation ensues, but this process is relatively inefficient in these materials as currently designed. Further, we discovered that the presence of adventitious oxygen plays a key role in this system. © The Royal Society of Chemistry