Precise block-copolymers by efficient coupling of end-functionalized polymers using phosgene

We report the synthesis of well-defined block copolymers by covalent coupling of hydroxy end-functionalized polymers. Using the high volatility of the coupling agent phosgene as compared to the solvent, very high conversion (up to 96%) is obtained in a one-pot reaction with as little as 10(-5) moles of each of the reacting polymers, even without prior purification of the as-received reagents. This has potential as an alternative to the currently practiced method of sequential living polymerization of constituent monomers, with the added advantage of direct knowledge and control over the length distribution of each block.