Orthogonal polymerization of aziridine with cyclic carbonates for constructing amphiphilic block copolymers

Herein, we describe a novel strategy for synthesizing amphiphilic block copolymers, comprising acidified polyamine and polycarbonate segments, by the orthogonal polymerization of aziridine and cyclic carbonates. Controlled experiments revealed that the cationic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of aziridine and the anionic ROP of cyclic carbonates proceeded simultaneously to accomplish chain propagation. Orthogonal polymerization of aziridine and cyclic carbonates is developed for constructing amphiphilic block copolymers, followed by acidification to construct polysomes.

Automated summary

In this study, a new method for synthesizing amphiphilic block copolymers comprised of acidified polyamine and polycarbonate segments was developed through the orthogonal polymerization of aziridine and cyclic carbonates. Controlled experiments demonstrated that the cationic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of aziridine and the anionic ROP of cyclic carbonates occurred simultaneously, resulting in chain propagation. This approach enables the construction of amphiphilic block copolymers and the formation of polysomes through acidification.