Multi-arm star polymers having a well-defined core and methods for the synthesis thereof

摘要

The synthesis of star polymers having well-defined arms emanating from well-defined and readily controllable calix[n]arene (n=4 to 16) cores are described. The synthesis is particularly suitable for polyisobutylene and/or polysiloxane star polymers. The synthesis has been achieved using carbocationic and/or anionic ring-opening polymerization techniques to form polymer arms of desired molecular weights, then separately preparing the calixarene derivative core, and finally, linking the arms to the core by transesterification or hydrosilation.