Synthesis of thermoresponsive oligo(ethylene glycol) polymers through radical ring-opening polymerization of vinylcyclopropane monomers

Abstract

Polyvinylcyclopropanes are an old class of polymers typically known for their low polymerization-induced shrinkage properties. In this work, we show that they are capable of exhibiting a thermally triggered aggregation process in aqueous solutions. The phase transition is sharp, tunable within the temperature range of 25-46 degrees C, and relatively insensitive to environmental conditions. It is anticipated that this preliminary study will shine new light on polyvinylcyclopropanes and lead to new avenues in their studies and future application.