Aqueous electrochemically-triggered atom transfer radical polymerization

Abstract

Simplified electrochemical atom transfer radical polymerization (seATRP) using CuII-N-propyl pyridineimine complexes (CuII(NPPI)2) is reported for the first time. In aqueous solution, using oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA), standard electrolysis conditions yield POEGMA with good control over molecular weight distribution (Đm < 1.35). Interestingly, the polymerizations are not under complete electrochemical control, as monomer conversion continues when electrolysis is halted. Alternatively, it is shown that the extent and rate of polymerization depends upon an initial period of electrolysis. Thus, it is proposed that seATRP using CuII(NPPI)2 follows an electrochemically-triggered, rather than electrochemically mediated, ATRP mechanism, which distinguishes them from other CuIIL complexes that have been previously reported in the literature.