Star-like amphiphilic block copolymers - models for unimolecular micelles and nanoreactors

Abstract

The synthesis of novel star-like amphiphilic block copolymers with 6 and 12 arms, respectively, with remarkably low polydispersities are described. These polymers show a unique response of the molecular geometry to the polarity of the solvent as indicated by high nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Similar block copolymers, where the hydrophilic block is comprised of MMA/hydroxyethyl methacrylate random copolymer have been successfully employed as nanoreactors in the preparation of gold nanoparticles. Additionally, preliminary results on star-like block copolymers with the reversed arrangement of the amphiphilic blocks show the respected response to changes in solvent polarity.