Using One Photoredox Catalyst to Simultaneously Mediate Two Different Polymerizations for Photo-Triggered Multi-Component Orthogonal Polymerizations

Abstract

The development of multi-component orthogonal polymerizations (MOPs) with simple procedure and high efficiency is crucial for rational polymer synthesis. In this work, photo-triggered Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) polymerization are first investigated, employing copper(II) thioxanthone carboxylate (Cu(TX)₂ ) as photoredox catalyst and sunlight as stimuli. Then, the novel MOPs using one photoredox catalyst, Cu(TX)₂ to simultaneously mediate two different photopolymerizations, are successfully realized in one-pot, where photo-induced electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization and photo-activated CuAAC polymerization can effectively proceed in a one-pot and non-interfering fashion to afford predetermined copolymers with well-defined structure.

Keywords: Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition polymerization; controlled radical polymerization; orthogonal polymerizations; photo-induced electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization; photoredox catalyst.