Star poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s - synthesis and thermosensitivity

A series of star-shaped poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s was prepared by cationic polymerization. The polymerization was initiated by dipentaerythrityl hexakis(4-nitrobenzene sulfonate) and a tosylated hyperbranched polymer of glycidol. The polymerization proceeded in a controlled manner. The star structure of the products was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. The molar mass distributions that were measured by gel permeation chromatography with multiangle laser light scattering were narrow, and the experimental values of the molar masses were close to those predicted. The very compact structure of the polymers obtained (compared with the linear counterparts) confirmed the star formation. The star poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s show a phase transition temperature in the range 62-75 degrees C. Comparison of this phase transition temperature with that of the linear poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s with the same molar masses indicates the influence of molar mass and topological structure of the macromolecule on temperature behavior. The prepared copolymers are spherical, which might be useful for the controlled transport and release of active compounds. (C) 2011 Society of Chemical Industry