Synthesis and solvent-dependent micellization of the amphiphilic block copolymer poly(styreneboronic acid)-block-polystyrene

Abstract

The amphophilic organoboron block copolymer poly (styreneboronic acid)-block-polystyrene (PSBA-6-PS) has been prepared through a postpolymerization modification route from the silicon-functionalized block copolymer poly(4trimethylsilylstyrene)-block-polystyrene (PSSi-b-PS). PSBA-bPS is obtained through highly selective reaction of PSSi-bPS with BBr3 at room temperature and subsequent hydrolysis of the BBr2- funetionalized intermediate. Transmission electron microscopy studies demonstrate that PSBA-b-PS undergoes pH dependent micellization in aqueous solution. Different morphologies could be realized by using different mixtures of water and organic solvents. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.