Synthesis and properties of star-shaped polymers by the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic carbonate initiated with a trifunctional, poly(ethylene glycol)-based surfactant

Amphiphilic, star-shaped copolymers were synthesized by the ring-opening polymerization of trimethylene carbonate initiated with a trifunctional, poly(ethylene glycol)-based surfactant (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate) in the absence of any catalysts. The metal- and solvent-free polymerization proceeded at 150 degrees C and afforded polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate-block-poly(trimethylene carbonate) with number-average molecular weights of 4500-11,900 in excellent yields. The copolymers successfully dispersed in a water/ethyl acetate (10/1 v/v) mixture, and the uniform suspension could contain a hydrophobic pigment and pyrene. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.