Synthesis of star polymers using organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization through a core-first approach

Synthetic routes to higher ordered polymeric architectures are important tools for advanced materials design and realization. In this study, organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization is employed for the synthesis of star polymers through a core-first approach using a visible-light absorbing photocatalyst, 3,7-di(4-biphenyl)-1-naphthalene-10-phenoxazine. Structurally similar multifunctional initiators possessing 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 initiating sites were used in this study for the synthesis of linear telechelic polymers and star polymers typically possessing dispersities lower than 1.5 while achieving high initiator efficiencies. Furthermore, no evidence of undesirable star–star coupling reactions was observed, even at high monomer conversions and high degrees of polymerization. The utility of this system is further exemplified through the synthesis of well-defined diblock star polymers.