Formation of nanoparticles by intramolecular cross-linking: Following the reaction progress of single polymer chains by atomic force microscopy

Aliphatic polycarbonates with pendant vinyl groups were transformed into nanoparticles through intramolecular olefin cross-metathesis under dilute conditions. Reaction progress was monitored by AFM, revealing a range of structures from extended linear molecules at 0% cross-linking to isolated particles at 76% cross-linking.