POLYMER

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20130295040
  • Publication Number
    20130295040
  • Date Filed
    April 05, 2013
    11 years ago
  • Date Published
    November 07, 2013
    10 years ago
Abstract
The application provides a method of producing a comb polymer comprising the steps of: (a) Providing: (i) a plurality of monomers which are linear, branched or star-shaped, substituted or non-substituted, and have an olefinically unsaturated moiety, the olefinically unsaturated moiety being capable of undergoing addition polymerisation;(ii) an initiator compound; the initiator compound comprising a homolytically cleavable bond.(iii) a catalyst capable of catalysing the polymerisation of the monomer; and(b) Causing the catalyst to catalyse, in combination with the initiator, the polymerisation of a plurality of the monomers to produce the comb polymer.
Description

The invention relates to processes of making comb polymers from monomers comprising alkoxy polyethers, such as polyalkylene glycol such as poly (ethylene glycol), or polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF). Such methods may include the use of an initiator compound which comprises a moiety which, wizen attached to the comb polymer, is capable of binding to a protein or polypeptide. The initiator compounds and finished comb polymers, and their uses, are also included within the invention.


The modification of proteins with polymers such as poly (ethylene glycol), which is known by the abbreviation PEG, is well-known in the art. PEG-derivatives are manufactured, for example, by Shearwater Corporation, Huntsville, Ala., USA, and Enzon, Inc., Bridgewater, N.J., USA. Uses of PEG are reviewed in catalogues from both of those companies, and indeed in the 2002 Enzon, Inc. Annual Report.


The attachment of PEG to proteins or polypeptides, known as PEGylation has been found to have a number of benefits. Firstly, this reduces the antigenicity and immunogenicity of a molecule to which PEG is attached. PEG also produces markably improved circulating half-lives in viva due to either evasion of renal clearance as a result of the polymer increasing the apparent size of the molecule to above the glomerular filtration limit, and/or through evasion of cellular clearance mechanisms. PEG can markably improve the solubility of proteins and polypeptides to which it is attached, for example PEG has been found to be soluble in many different solvents, ranging from water to many organic solvents such as toluene, methylene chloride, ethanol and acetone. An application of this has been to use PEG-modified antibodies, for example to phase partition target molecules or cells. PEGylation has also been found to enhance proteolytic resistance of the conjugated protein, and improve bioavailability via reduced losses at subcutaneous injection sites. PEGylation also has been observed to reduce the toxicity of the proteins or polypeptides to which it is attached, improve thermal and mechanical stability of the molecules and allow the improved formulation into materials used for some slow release administration strategies. These advantages are reviewed in, for example, the articles by Chapman A. P. (Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Vol. 54 (2002), pages: 531-545). The chemistry of polypeptide and protein PEGylation is further reviewed in the article by Roberts, M. J., et al, (Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Vol. 54 (2002), pages 459-476), and the article by Kinstler, O., et al. (Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, Vol. 54 (2002), pages 477.485).


A number of PEGylated drags are on the market, For example. PEG-INTRON™ is an α-interferon product produced by Schering-Plough and Enzon, Inc. which is used to treat hepatitis C and cancer. Prothecan™ is a PEG-enhanced version of camptothecin, topoisomerase I inhibitor that is effective against some cancers, PEGylated taxol and several enzyme-based products have also been produced which show, for example, better uptake in tumours and reduced side-effects compared to non-PEGylated compounds. As discussed in the review by Roberts (Supra), polymers such as PEG may be attached via a number of reactive amino acids on protein or polypeptide molecules, including lysine, cysteine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, threonine, tyrosine, N-terminal amino groups and C-terminal carboxylic acid groups. In the ease of glycoproteins, vicinal hydroxyl groups can be oxidised with periodate to form two reactive formyl moieties. A wide range of functional groups may be attached to compounds such as PEG to allow them to attach to lysine amine groups and N-terminal amine groups. These include succinimidyl succinate, hydroxysuccinamide and hydroxysuccinamide esters, aldehyde derivatives such as propionaldehyde and acetaldehyde, propionate and buterwate derivatives of succinimidyl, benzotriazole carbonate, ρ-nitrophenyl carbonate, trichlorophenyl carbonate and carbonylimidazole. Compounds such as tresylate are known to bind to proteins via nucleophilic attack. There are also a number of compounds which can react with cysteine residues on proteins or polypeptides. These include maleimides, vinylsulphones, pyridyl sulphides and iodoacetamides. Furthermore, succinimidyl carbonate can also be used as a functionalised group to attach PEG or other polymers to alanine or histidine amino acids within a protein or polypeptide. As already indicated, the reaction of such functionalised groups is already well-characterised as indicated in the articles by Roberts, Kinsler and Chapman, and indeed as shown in, for example, the Shearwater Catalogue (2001).


The PEG currently on the market is usually in the form of long poly (ethylene glycol) polymers or branched or star-shaped poly (ethylene glycols).


The Applicants have now identified that it is possible to produce comb polymers which allow the size of the polymer attached to biological substances, for example, proteins and polypeptides, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), carbohydrates and fats, to be varied and to be controlled. This allows the possibility of producing a wide variety of different polymers for attaching to proteins and polypeptides, which may be varied in their size and hydrodynamic volume to vary the properties of the compound to which the polymer is attached. For example, this may be used to vary the stability, solubility, toxicity and/or drug retention time of a drug which has been covalently attached to such co-polymers. Such co-polymers are capable of being produced in, a controlled manner by so-called living radical polymerisation.


Living radical polymerisation is subject of International Patent Application No. WO 97/47661. Supported polymerisation catalysts and specific polymerisation initiators are also shown in WO 99/28352 and WO 01/94424. Basically, the system uses a compound complexed with a transition metal. This compound is preferably an organodiimine, although one of the nitrogens of the diimine, is preferably not part of an aromatic ring (e.g. a 1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene, a 2-pyridinecarbaldehyde imine, an oxazolidone or a quinoline carbaldehyde).


Living free radical systems, which involve the use of free radical initiators are also known, see for example WO 96/30421 and WO 97/18247. This is reviewed in Kamigaito, et al., Chem. Rev. (2001), Vol. 12, pages 3689-3745.


A combination of the catalyst and the initiators has in the past been used to polymerise un-saturated monomers, such as vinylic monomers. The inventors have now realised that these systems may be used to produce comb polymers in a controlled manner. These comb polymers may have a functional group attached to them via conventional chemistry. However, the inventors have also realised that the initiators used in living radical polymerisation are attached to the comb polymer as a result of the reaction of the initiator with the monomers. This means that it is possible to functionalise the comb polymer at the same time as producing the co-polymer, by using a functionalised initiator.


Accordingly, the first aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a comb polymer comprising the steps of:

    • (a) Providing:
      • (i) a plurality of monomers which are linear, branched or star-shaped, substituted or non-substituted, preferably containing 2, especially from 3 to 10, carbon atoms, and have an olefinically unsaturated moiety attached thereto, the olefinically unsaturated moiety being capable of undergoing addition polymerisation;
      • (ii) an initiator compound; the initiator compound comprising as homolytically cleavable bond;
      • (iii) a catalyst capable of catalysing the polymerisation of the monomer; and
    • (b) Causing the catalyst to catalyse, in combination with the initiator, the polymerisation of a plurality of the monomers to produce the comb polymer;


      wherein the initiator compound (ii) comprises a moiety which, when attached to the comb polymer, is capable of binding to a biological substance.


The monomers in (i) are preferably alkoxy polyethers such as poly (alkylene glycol) or polytetrahydrofuran.


The comb polymer may have a moiety which, when attached to the comb polymer, is capable of binding e.g. a protein or polypeptide, attached to it using conventional chemistry. However, as already indicated, it is possible to produce initiator compounds which have that moiety attached to them. Therefore, preferably the initiator compound comprises a moiety which, when attached to a comb polymer, is capable of binding to a biological substance, such as a protein or polypeptide, nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), carbohydrates or fats.


Preferably, the poly (alkylene glycol) is a polymer of an alkylene glycol containing from 2-10, especially at least 3, carbon atoms, most preferably poly (ethylene glycol), of (propylene glycol) or poly (butylene glycol). For example, poly (ethylene glycol) may be used.


In its most common form, this is a linear or branched polyether terminated with hydroxyl groups. This is synthesised by anionic ring opening polymerisation of ethylene oxide initiated by nucleophilic attack of a hydroxide ion on the epoxide ring. It is also possible to modify polyethylene glycol, for example by placing a monomethoxy group on one end to produce monomethoxy PEG (mPEG). This is synthesised by an ionic ring opening polymerisation initiated with methoxide ions and is commercially available. However, trace amounts of water present in the reaction mixture causes the production of significant quantities of PEG which is terminated at both ends by hydroxy groups. This is undesirable, as the moiety capable of binding to proteins or peptides will then attach to both ends of the polymer chain, which will cause unwanted crosslinking of proteins in the body.


A method intended to minimise the production of this impurity is to initiate the ring opening of ethylene oxide by nucleophilic attack of a benzoxy ion on the epoxide ring. In a similar manner to the above process, monobenzoxy PEG is produced, as well as the PEG chain terminated at both ends by hydroxy. This mixture is methylated, producing one chain terminated with BzO and OMe, and dimethoxy PEG. Hydrogenation of this mixture eliminates the benzoxy group to yield mPEG and dimethoxy PEG, Dimethoxy PEG remains present as an inert impurity. However, even using this process, the product obtained still contains 5-10% of the unwanted dihydroxy PEG according to its certificate of analysis.


The process of the present invention yields a product which is substantially 100% pure, eliminating substantially all of the dihydroxy PEG impurity, thus avoiding the disadvantages of the known processes, and removing the possibility of the cross-linking of proteins.


Branched and star-shaped polymers such as PEG are available from a number of commercial sources, such as Enzon and Shearwater. Polytetrahydrofurans may also be obtained from commercial sources, such as Aldrich (Gillingham, Dorset, UK.).


Preferably, the molecular weight of the PEGmethacrylate is 475, 1100, 2080, 5000 or 20,000.


The polyalkylene glycol and polytetrahydrofuran comprises an olefinically unsaturated moiety, for example at the end of the polymer chain. This olefinically unsaturated moiety is capable of undergoing additional polymerisation.


The olefinically unsaturated monomer may be a methacrylate, an acrylate, a styrene, methacrylonitrile or a diene such as butadiene.


Examples of olefinically unsaturated moieties that may be used include methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate (all isomers), butyl methacrylate isomers), and other alkyl methacrylates; corresponding acrylates; also functionalised methacrylates and acrylates including glycidyl methacrylate, trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate, allyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylates such as dimethylethylamino methacrylate; fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylates; methacrylic acid, acrylic acid; fumaric acid (and esters), itaconic acid (and esters), maleic anhydride: styrene, α-methyl styrene; vinyl halides such as vinyl chloride and vinyl fluoride; acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile; glycerol; vinylidene halides of formula CH2═C(Hal)2 where each halogen is independently Cl or F; optionally substituted butadienes of the formula CH2═C(R15) C(R15)═CH2 where R15 is independently H. C1 to C10 alkyl, Cl, or F; sulphonic acids or derivatives thereof of formula CH2═CHSO2OM wherein M is Na, K, Li, N(R16)4i where each R16 is independently H or C1 to C10 alkyl, COZ, ON, N(R16)2 or SO2OZ and Z is H, Li, Na, K or N(R14)4; acrylamide or derivatives thereof of formula CH2 CHCON(R16)2 and methacrylamide or derivative thereof of formula CH2═C(CH3)CON(R16)2.


Mixtures of such monomers may be used.


Such unsaturated moieties may be attached, for example, at an end of the polymer, by conventional chemistry. Alternatively, such monomers may be obtained commercially. For example, PEGacrylate, diacrylate, methacrylate and dimethacrylate are commercially available from Aldrich (Gillingham, Dorset, UK.).


The unsaturated moiety may be attached to the polyalkylene glycol or polytetrahydrofuran by means of any suitable linkage groups, for example via a methyl ether linkage. Hence, it is possible to use poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (available from Aldrich Chemicals). One advantage of using the living radical polymerisation technique is that commercially available compounds such as this, which have free-radical inhibitors, such as hydroquinones, may be used without further purification. With conventional free-radical-based systems the presence of a free-radical inhibitor will inhibit the addition polymerisation reaction. This is not the case with living radical polymerisation.


The initiator compound may comprise a homolytically cleavable bond with a halogen atom. This may contain a bond that breaks without integral charge formation on either atom by homolytic fission. As described in WO 97/01589, WO 99/28352 and WO 01/94424, it is believed that true free-radicals do not appear to be formed using some catalysts. It is believed that this occurs in a concerted fashion whereby the monomer is inserted into the bond without formation of a discrete free-radical species in the system. That is, during propagation this results in the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond and a new carbon-halogen bond without free-radical formation. A free-radical which is an atom or group of atoms having an unpaired valance electron and which is a separate entity without interactions, is not produced by the interaction of the initiator compound with the monomer with which it interacts.


Suitable initiator compounds are described in, for example, WO 97/47661. However, it is preferable that the initiator compound also comprises a moiety which, when attached to the comb polymer, is capable of binding to a protein or polypeptide. These moieties are known in the art, as indeed described in Roberts, et al. (Supra), Chapman (Supra) and, for example, in the catalogues of Enzon and Shearwater.


The initiator may be a thioester or xanthate. These are used in so called RAFT (Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain transfer and nitric oxide mediated polymerisation) and MADIX catalysation. The initiators and their reactions are described in WO 99/31144, WO 98/01478 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,705.


Preferably, the initiator compound (ii) is selected from


A-S—C(O)—R, A-S—C(S)—O—R, R—S—C(O)-A, R—S—C—(S)—O-A, when R is C1 to C20 substituted or loon-substituted, straight chain, branched chain, cyclic, heterocyclic or aromatic alkyl;




embedded image


where: X=a halide, especially Cl or Br,

    • A a moiety which, when attached to the comb polymer, is capable of binding to a protein or polypeptide,
    • B is a linker and may or may not be present.


A is preferably selected from succinimidyl succinate, N-hydroxy succimimide, succinimidyl propionate, succinimidyl butanoate, propionaldehyde, acetaldehyde, tresylate, triazine, vinylsulfone, benzotriazole carbonate, maleimide, pyridyl sulfide, iodoacetamide and succinimidyl carbonate.


The linker is preferably selected from a C1 to C20 substituted or non-substituted, straight chain, branched chain cyclic, heterocyclic or aromatic alkyl group; —(CH2Z)a CH2—, —CH2ZCH2—, —(CH2CH2Z)n—R, —(CH2CH(CH3Z)n—R, —(CH2)b—C(O)—NH—(CH2)c—, —(CH2)a—NH—C(O)—(CH2)y—, —N(H)2—; —S—; —N—R; or —O—R; where R═C1 to C20 substituted or non-substituted, straight chain, branched chain cyclic, heterocyclic or aromatic alkyl, Z is O or S, and n, a, b and c are independently selectable integers between 1 and 10. Preferably, the linker contains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms. Most preferably, the linker is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl or pentyl.


Preferably, the moiety which is capable of reacting with the protein or polypeptide has the formula:




embedded image


where n=integer of 0 to 10




embedded image


where m=integer of 0 to 10, Y is an aliphatic or aromatic moiety




embedded image


where R′ is H, methyl, ethyl, propyl or but X is a halide, especially Cl or Br.


Most preferably, the initiator (ii) has a formula:




embedded image


where n is an integer of 0 to 10, and X is a halide, especially Cl or Br.


The initiator has a compound selected from




embedded image


embedded image


The catalyst may be capable of catalysing the polymerisation reaction by living radical polymerisation (see e.g. WO 97/47661) or living free radical polymerisation (see e.g. WO 96/30421, WO 97/18247 and Karnagaito M., et al., Chem. Rev. (2001), Vol. 101 (12), pages 3689-3745).


Preferably the catalyst comprises a ligand which is any N—, O—, P— or S— containing compound which can coordinate in a δ-bond to a transition metal or any carbon-containing compound which can coordinate in a π-bond to the transition metal, such that direct bonds between the transition metal and growing polymer radicals ate not formed.


The catalyst may comprise a first compound





MY

    • where: M is a transition metal having an oxidation state which is capable of being oxidised by one form a oxidation state,
      • Y is a mono, divalent or polyvalent counterion.


The catalyst may also be defined by the formula:





[MLm]n+An−

    • where:
      • M=a transition metal having an oxidation state which is capable of being oxidised by one formal oxidation state,
      • L=an organodilmine where at least one of the nitrogens of the diimine is not part of an aromatic ring,
      • A=anion,
      • n=integer of 1 to 3,
      • m=an integer of 1 to 2.


The metal on may be attached to a coordinating ligand, such as (CH3 CN)4. Y may be chosen from Cl, Br, F, I, NO3, PF6, BF4, SO4, CN, SPh, SCN, SePh or inflate (CF3SO3). Copper (I) inflate may be used. This is available; in the form of a commercially available benzene complex (CF3SO3Cu)2C6H6.


The especially preferred compound used is CuBr.


A may be F, Cl, Br, I, N, O3, SO4 or CuX2 (where X is a halogen).


The transition metal may be selected from Cu+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Ru2+, Ru3+, Cr2+, Cr3+, Mo2+, Mo3+, W2+, W3+, Mn3+, Mn4+, Rh3+, Rh4+, Re2+, Re3+, Co+, Co2+, V2+, V3+, Zn+, Zn2+, Au+, Au2+, Ag+ and Ag2+.


Preferably the organodiimine has a formula selected from:

    • a 1,4-diaza-1,3-butadiene




embedded image




    • a 2-pyridine carbaldehyde imine







embedded image




    • an oxazolidone,







embedded image




    • or a quinoline carbaldehyde







embedded image


where R1, R2, R10, R11, R12 and R13 may be varied independently and R1, R2, R10, R11, R12 and R13 may be H, straight chain, branched chain or cyclic saturated alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, carboxyalkyl, aryl (such as phenyl or phenyl substituted where substitution is as described for R4 to R9) CH4Ar (where Ar=aryl or substituted aryl) or a halogen. Preferably R1, R2, R10, R11, R12 and R13 may be a C1 to C20 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl, in particular C1 to C4 alkyl, especially methyl or ethyl, n-propylisopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert butyl, cyclohexyl, 2-ethylhexyl, octyl decyl or lauryl.


Preferred ligands include:




embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


embedded image




    • R14=Hydrogen, C1 to C10 branched chain alkyl, carboxy- or hydroxy-C1 to C10 alkyl.





Preferably the catalyst is




embedded image


with CuBr


Preferably the organodiimine is N-(n-propyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine (NMPI), N-ethyl-2-pyridyl methanimine or N-(n-ethyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine.


Other catalysts are described in WO 96/30421 and WO 97/18247.


Preferably the catalyst comprises a bipyridine group, such as 4,4′-di(5-nonyl)-2,2′-bipyridyl (dNbpy).


A plurality of different monomers as defined in part (i) of the invention may be used. This allows the production of statistical co-polymers.


Alternatively, or additionally, a block co-polymer may be produced by additionally polymerising one or more different olefinically unsaturated monomers. For example, the olefinically unsaturated monomers may be selected from methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate all isomers), butyl methacrylate (all isomers), and other alkyl methacrylates; corresponding acrylates; also functionalised methacrylates and acrylates including glycidyl methacrylate, trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate, allyl methacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylates; fluoroalkyl (meth)acrylates; methacrylic acid, acrylic acid; fumaric acid (and esters), itaconic acid (and esters), maleic anhydride; styrene, α-methyl styrene; vinyl halides such as vinyl chloride and vinyl fluoride; acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile; vinylidene halides of formula CH2═C(Hal)2 where each halogen is independently Cl or F; optionally substituted butadienes of the formula CH2═C(R15) C(R15)═CH2 where R15 is independently H, C1 to C10 alkyl, Cl, or F; sulphonic acids or derivatives thereof of formula CH2═CHSO2OM wherein M is Na, K, Li, N(R16)4 where each R is independently H or C1 to C10 alkyl, COZ, ON, N(R16)2 or SO2OZ and 2 is H, Li, Na, K or N(R16)4; acrylamide or derivatives thereof of formula CH2═CHCON(R16)2 and methacrylamide or derivative thereof of formula CH2═C(CH3)CON(R16)2.


The monomers may be polymerised prior to or after the polymerisation of the monomers as defined in part (I) of the invention.


The polymerisation reaction may be reactive in a number of different solvents, such as hydrophobic or hydrophilic solvents. These include water, propionitrile, hexane, heptane, dimethoxyethane, diethoxyethane tetrahydrofuran, ethylacetate, diethylether, N,N-dimethylformamide, anisole, acetonitrile, diphenylether, methylisobutyrate, butan-2-one, toluene and xylene.


The reaction temperature may be carried out from −20 to greater than 200° C., especially +5 to 130° C. WO 97/47661, for example, shows examples of living radical polymerisation and the typical conditions that may be used.


Preferably, the ratio of organodiimine:transition metal is 0.01 to 1000, preferably 0.1 to 10, and transition metal ion (as MY):initiator is 0.0001 to 1000, preferably 0.1 to 10, where the degree of polymerisation is controlled by the ratio of monomer to initiator. All ratios are given as weight weight. Preferably the components are the catalyst of formula: [MLm]n+An− (defined above) are at a ratio of catalyst; initiator of 3:1 to 1:100.


Preferably, the amount of diimine metal used in the system is between 100:1 and 1:1, preferably 5:1 to 1:1, more preferably 3:1 to 1:1, by weight.


Preferably the concentration of monomer in a solvent used is 100%-1%, preferably 100%-5%, vol.:vol.


Preferred ratios of initiator to catalyst or 1:100-100:1, typically 1:1.


Preferred ratios of monomer:initiator are 1:1 to 10,000:1, especially 5:1 to 100:1.


The reaction may be undertaken under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or argon, and may be carried out in suspension, emulsion, mini-emulsion or in a dispersion.


Preferably, the catalyst is a supported catalyst, that is at least a part of the catalyst is attached to a support. Such supported catalysts are shown in, for example, WO 99/28352.


The support may be inorganic, such as silica, especially silica gel. Alternatively, the support may be organic, especially an organic polymer, such as a cross-linked organic polymer, including poly (styrene-w-dinylbertzone). The support may be in the form of beads. The advantage of using a supported catalyst is that it allows the catalyst to be removed from the system and recycled/reused.


The comb polymer may incorporate a fluorescently-labelled monomer. For example, the method may additionally comprise a step of copolymerising or block polymerising with at least one fluorescently-labelled monomer capable of undergoing addition polymerisation. This can be carried out simply by using a monomer which has a fluorescent moiety, such as fluorescein, or coumarin, attached to an olefinically unsaturated moiety. The olefinically unsaturated moiety may be selected from those unsaturated moieties defined above.


Preferably, the fluorescent label is coumarin, especially coumarin 343. Coumarin is particularly advantageous because it allows the comb polymer to be used to attach to proteins and the attachment of the proteins to be visualised using a confocal microscope. This allows, for example, the detection of individual proteins or indeed the visualisation of whole bacterial or other cells. Indeed, initial results have indicated that bacterial cells can be readily visualised, using a comb polymer according to the invention, to attach to E. coli and Streptomyces cells.


A further aspect of the invention provides initiator compounds capable of being used in a living radical polymerisation reaction comprising a moiety which, when attached to a polymer, is capable of binding to a protein or polypeptide. Initiators for use in a living radical polymerisation reaction having the following formulae are also provided:


A-S—C(O)—R, A-S—C(S)—O—R, R—S—C(O)-A, R—S—C(S)O-A, where R is C1 to C20 substituted or non-substituted, straight chain, branched chain, cyclic, heterocyclic or aromatic alkyl;




embedded image




    • where:
      • X=a halide, especially Cl or Br,
      • A=a moiety which, when attached to the comb polymer, is capable of binding to a protein or polypeptide,
      • B is a linker and may or may not be present.





Preferably, A is selected from succinimidyl succinate, N-hydroxy succimimide, succinimidyl propionate, succinimidyl batanoate, propionaldehyde, acetaldehyde, tresylate, triazine, vinyl sulfone, benzotriazole carbonate, maleimide, pyridyl sulfide, iodoacetamide and succinimidyl carbonate.


Preferably, the linker is selected from a C1 to C20 substituted or non-substituted, straight chain, branched Chain cyclic, heterocyclic or aromatic alkyl group; —(CH2Z)a CH2—, —CH2ZCH2—, —(CH2CH2Z)n—R, —(CH2CH(CH3Z)n—R, —(CH2)b—C(O)—NH—(CH2)c—, —(CH2)a—NH—C(O)—(CH2)y—, —N(R)2—; —S—; —N—R; or —O—R; where R=C1 to C20 substituted or non-substituted, straight chain, branched chain cyclic, heterocyclic or aromatic alkyl, Z is O or S, and n, a, b and c are independently selectable integers between 1 and 10,


Preferably the moiety capable of reacting with a protein or polypeptide has a formula:




embedded image


where n=integer of 0 to 10




embedded image


where m=integer of 0 to 10, Y is an aliphatic or aromatic moiety




embedded image


where R′ is H, methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl, X is a halide, especially Cl or Br.


Preferably the initiator has a formula of:




embedded image


where n is an integer of 0 to 10, and X is a halide, especially Cl or Br.


The initiator especially has the formula:




embedded image


embedded image


The terminal amine group may be protected by any suitable protecting group, such as BOC. Deprotection is achieved by addition of acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid. Alternatively a furan intermediate may be produced which can then be converted to maleimide.


Under normal conditions, the aldehyde-based initiators will tend to react non selectively with proteins, i.e, they will react substantially equally with both terminal nitrogen atoms and, for example, a lysine NH2 group, if the reaction conditions are not controlled. However, under the right reaction pKa for the particular aldehyde chosen, the aldehyde can be controlled to specifically target the terminal nitrogen. A further aspect of the invention provides comb polymers capable of binding protein or polypeptide obtainable by a method of the invention.


A further aspect provides a comb polymer having a general formula:





A-(D)d-(E)e-(F)f


where:

    • A may or may not be present, and where present is a moiety capable of binding to a protein or a polypeptide,
    • D, where present, is obtainable by additional polymerisation of one or more olefinically unsaturated monomers which are not as defined in E,
    • E is obtainable by additional polymerisation of a plurality of monomers which are linear, branched, or star-shaped, substituted or non-substituted, and have an olefinically unsaturated moiety,
    • F, where present, is obtainable by additional polymerisation of one or more olefinically unsaturated monomers which are not as defined in E,
    • d and f are an integer between 0 and 500, especially 0 to 300 or 0 to 100,
    • e is an integer of 0 to 1000, especially 0 to 10, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 or 900
    • and wherein when A is present, at least one of D, F and F is present.


Preferred monomers used to obtain E are poly (alkylene glycol) or polytetrahydrofuran.


This includes both functionalised comb polymer and non-functionalised comb polymer, where the moiety capable of attaching to a protein or polypeptide may be attached later by other chemistry.


Preferably the comb polymer has an average total, molecular weight of 2,000-80,000, especially 20,000-40,000.


Examples of preferred comb polymers, obtainable according to the process of the invention, are




embedded image


embedded image


embedded image


These polymers can be used either directly to react with useful biomolecules or converted simply into new macromolecules that will react with useful biomolecules.


The comb polymer may be fluorescently labelled, especially with a coumarin. A still further aspect of the invention provides a method of attaching a polymer to a compound comprising reacting a comb polymer according to the invention with said compound. The compound may be a protein or polypeptide or may indeed be any compound having a suitable free thiol or free amine group, depending on the initiator used. Such compounds include amines, such as benzylamines and ethylenediamine, amino acids and carbohydrates such as sugars.


Preferably such compounds are biologically-active compounds, such as drugs. The combination of such compounds in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided. The compounds may include cancer chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics, anti-fungal and/or immunosuppressants.


For example, FIGS. 23 and 24 show HPLC traces and SDS-PAGE for the reaction of lysozyme with a polymer prepared according to the invention. These figures clearly illustrate the progress of the reaction as the polymer selectively conjugates to only one of lysozymes seven amino groups.


A still further aspect of the invention provides a method of fluorescently labelling a compound, virus, microorganism or cell comprising the step of reacting the compound, virus, microorganism or cell with a fluorescently labelled comb polymer according to the invention. The use of a comb polymer as a fluorescent label is also provided.


The fluorescently labelled comb polymer may be used to attach antibodies which in turn may be used to selectively bind to pre-defined antigens. This allows the selective labelling of the compounds to take place.


Methods of producing such antibodies are well-known in the art and indeed monoclonal antibodies may be produced by the well-known Kohler-Milstein method.


Previously, when polymers have been used to bind to proteins, they have had to be of a low molecular weight, as a polymer with a molecular weight of e.g. 20,000 could not be excreted from the body by the liver. To combat this problem, four polymers of approximately 5,000 molecular weight each were bound to the protein, and eventually excreted without problem. An advantage that is provided by the comb polymers of the invention is that they can possess molecular weights of 20,000 and still be bound to the proteins without the problems of excretion found with conventional polymers. This is due to an ester linkage which is found in each “finger” of the comb polymer. Preliminary results show that this ester linkage is readily hydrolysed by enzymes, causing the fingers to gradually break off the main polymer backbone. This enables a 20,000 molecular weight polymer to become smaller over time until it reaches a molecular weight which enables it to be excreted by the liver. Conventional chain polymers cannot offer this advantage but remain in the bloodstream without being excreted.


Initial results indicate that the comb polymers of the invention are stable over weeks in at serum, but slowly break down in the manner detailed above.





The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following examples:



FIG. 1 shows the evolution of molecular weight distribution and polydispersity for the LRP (living radical polymerisation) of methyl methacrylate initiated by a N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) initiator.



FIG. 2 shows SEC curves for NHS functionalised poly (MMA), solid curve, and the produce (N-benzylamide functionalised poly (MMA), dashed curve).



FIG. 3. First order kinetic plot for the LRP of PEGMA initiated by NHS—Br, [PEGMA]o/[CuBr]o/[NHSBr]o/[L]o=10/1/1/2.1 in toluene (33% v/v) at 30° C.



FIG. 4. Evolution of the molecular weight distribution and polydispersity for the LRP of PEGMA initiated by NHS—Br, [PEGMA]o/[CuBr]o/[NHSBr]o/[L]o=10/1/1/2.1 in toluene (33% v/v) at 30° C.



FIG. 5. Evolution of the molecular weight distribution and polydispeersity for the LRP of MPEG(395)MA initiated using initiator 8, [MPEG(395)MA]0[CuBr]0/[NHSBr]0=10/1/1/2 in tuluene (50% v/v) at 30° C.



FIG. 6. Selected region (2.7-4.3 ppm) of the 1H NMR spectrum of a NHS ester functionalised poly(MPEG(395)MA) prepared from initiator 8 (Mn=6400 g·mol−1, Mw/Mn=1.09).



FIG. 7. First order kinetic plot for the LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 7, [MPEG(395)MA]0/[CuBr]0/[NHSBr]0/[Propyl Ligand]0=10/1/1/2 ub toluene (50% v/v) at 30° C.



FIG. 8. Evolution of the molecular weight distribution and polydispersity for the LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 7, [MPEG(395)MA]0/[CuBr]0/[NHSBr]0/[Propyl Ligand]0=10/1/1/2 in toluene at 30° C.



FIG. 9. Rate plot for TMM-LRP of MPEG(1000)MA initiator 12, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuCl]:[L]=5:1:2:2, T=70° C.



FIG. 10. Dependence of Mn on conversion for MPEG(1000)MA initiator 12, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuCl]:[L]=5:1:1:2, T 70° C.



FIG. 11. Rate plot thr TMM-LRP of MPEG(1000)MA initiator 12, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L]=20:1:1:2, T=50° C.



FIG. 12. Dependence of Mn on conversion for TMM-LRP of MPEG(1000)MA initiator 12, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L]=20:1:1:2, T=50° C.



FIG. 13. Rate plot for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 14, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L]=6:1:1:2.



FIG. 14. Dependence of Mn on conversion for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 14, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L]=6:1:1:2.



FIG. 15. Rate plot for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 14, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L]=28:1:1:2, T 40° C.



FIG. 14. Dependence of Mn on conversion for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA, using initiator 14, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L]=6:1:1:2, T=40° C.



FIG. 17. Rate plot for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 14, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]: [L]=28:1:1:2, T=60° C.



FIG. 18. Dependence of Mn on conversion for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 14, [monomer]:[initiator]=6:1:1:2, T=60° C.



FIG. 19. Online 1H NMR experiment: Rate plot for TMM-LRP of NWEG (395)MA using initiator 14, [monomer]: [initiator]:[CuBr]:[L]=10:1:1:2. T=40° C.



FIG. 20. Rate plot for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 15, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L]=8:1:1:2. T=30° C.



FIG. 21. Dependence of Mn on conversion for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 15, [monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L]=8:1:1:2, T=30° C.



FIG. 22. Kinetic plot for the hydrolysis of N-succinimidyl terminated poly(MPEG(395)MA initiated by 8 in different buffers.



FIG. 23. HPLC traces for the reaction of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(395)MA) prepared from initiator 8 (Mn=6400 g·mol−1, Mw/Mn=1.11) with Lysozyme ([polymer]/[lysozyme] 20:1).



FIG. 24. SDS-PAGE for the conjugation of lysozyme with succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(395)MA) prepared from initiator 8 (Mn=6400 g·mol−1, Mw/Mn=1.11) (20 equivalents).



FIG. 25. HPLC traces for the reaction of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(395)MA) prepared from initiator 8 (Mn=6400 g·mol−1, Mw/Mn=1.11) with Lysozyme ([polymer]/[lysozyme] 5:1).



FIG. 26. HPLC traces for the reaction of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(395)MA) prepared from initiator 8 (Mn=6400 g·mol−1, Mw/Mn=1.11) with Lysozyme ([polymer]/[lysozyme] 2:1).



FIG. 27. Comparison of the HPLC traces of various conjugates of lysozyme obtained with different ratios of polymer/lysozyme using succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(395)MA) prepared from initiator 8.



FIG. 28. Kinetic plot for the hydrolysis of the succinimide end group of poly(MPEG(395)MA) polymer initiated by 7 in different buffers.



FIG. 29. 1H NMR spectrum of a NHS eater functionalised (initiator 7) poly(MPEG(395)MA) (Mn, 2700 g·mol−1, Mw/Mn=1.12).



FIG. 30. 1H NMR spectrum of a N-benzylamide functionalised poly(MPEG(395)MA) (Mn=2880 g·mol−1, Mw/Mn=1.15).



FIG. 31. HPLC traces for the reaction of poly(MPEG(395)MA) prepared from initiator 7 (Mn=2700 g·mol−1, Mw/Mn=1.12) with lysozyme ([polymer]/[lysozyme] 30:1).



FIG. 32. SDS-PAGE for the conjugation of poly(MPEG(395)MA) prepared from initiator 7 with lysozyme at different reaction time and different ratio polymer/protein (a) 5/1, (b) 10/1 and (c) 30/1.



FIG. 33. SEC-HPLC chromatography of the conjugation reaction of Lysozyme with the aldehyde-terminated polymer (Mn˜22,000 PDI 1.09).



FIG. 34. Retro-Diels-Alder reaction: (=“initiator” and custom-character=maleimido signals) a) t=0; b) t=3.5 h; c) t=7 h.





SYNTHESIS OF N-[2-(2′-BROMO-2′-METHYLPROPIONYLOXY)-ETHYL]PHTHALIMIDE, 6

N-(2-hydroxyethyl)phthalimide (Aldrich, 99%) (19.12 g, 0.1 mol) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (350 mL) with triethylamine (28.1 mL, 0.2 mot) under nitrogen in a 500 mL round-bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer. The flask was cooled to 0° C. with an ice bath before the dropwise addition of 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide (13.9 mL, 0.11 mol). The mixture was stirred for 45 minutes and allowed to reach room temperature. Subsequently the reaction mixture was poured into an excess of cold water and extracted with diethyl ether (3×50 mL). The organic layer was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of Na2CO3 (3×50 mL), acidified water (pH=4.5, 3×50 mL), and again the saturated aqueous solution of Na2CO3 (3×50 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous MgSO4 and filtered. Finally the solvent was removed under reduced pressure by using the rotary evaporator in order to isolate the title compound (30.6 g, yield 90%) as a yellowish solid.


m.p. 63-65° C., IR (solid, ATR cell) ν (cm−1) 1774 (Ccycl═O), 1705 (C═O); 1H NMR (CDCl3, 298 K. 300 MHz) δ 1.81 (s, 6H, C(CH3)2Br), 3.95 (t, 2H, J=5.3 Hz, CH2N), 4.35 (t, 2H, J=5.4 Hz, CH2O), 7.67 (m, 2H, CH Ar), 7.78 (m, 2H, CH Ar). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 298 K, 75 MHz) δ 31.00 (2C, C(CH3)2Br), 37.12 (1C, CH2N), 55.92 (1C, C(CH3)2Br) 63.42 (1C, CH2O), 123.78 (2C, CH Ar), 132.35 (1C, C Ar), 133.54 (2C, CH Ar), 168.40 (2C, Ccycl═O), 171.87 (1C, C═O).


Synthesis of N-(2-bromo-2-methylpropionyloxy)succinimide, 7



embedded image


This was prepared from N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) using a similar procedure to that given above for the synthesis of compound 6. The solvent used in this case was anhydrous dichloromethane as NHS is insoluble in THF. The title compound was obtained in 85% yield as a white solid.


m.p. 72-74° C.; IR (solid, ATR cell) ν (cm−1) 1772 (Ccycl═O), 1728 (C═O); 1H NMR (CDCl3, 298 K, 300 MHz) δ 2.08 (s, 6H, C(CH3)2Br), 2.87 (a, 4H, CH2). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 298 K 75 MHz) δ 26.03 (2C, CH), 31.09 (2C, C(CH3)2Br), 51.60 (1C, C(CH3)2Br), 167.89 (1C, C═O) 169.02 (2C, Ccycl═O), MS (+EI), (m/z) 266, 265, 156, 151, 149, 123, 121, 116, 115, 91, 87, 70, 69. Anal, Calcd for C8H10NO4Br: C=36.39; H=3.82; N=5.30, Br=30.26. Found: C=36.35; H=3.82; N=5.03; Br=30.17.


4-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-11)amino]phenol, 4

A solution of 2,4-dichloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazine29 (9.00 g, 50.0 mmol) in 100 mL of acetone was cooled to 0° C. and, under stirring, solid 4-aminophenol (5.46 g, 50.0 mmol was added in small portions over ea. 2 min. The white suspension was then left to warm to ambient temperature and stirred for further 1 h, whilst being neutralized with a 2 M aqueous solution of Na2CO3. The mixture was then poured into 500 mL of ice/water and the resulting white precipitate was filtered and dried, to give 9.60 g (38.0 mmol, yield 76%) of 4-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]phenol that can be used for the next step without further purifications. An analytical sample was obtained by flash chromatography (CC, SiO2, petroleum ether/Et2O 1:1, Rf=0.14). The NMR analysis (d6-DMSO) revealed the presence, in solution, of 2 rotational isomers (molar ratio 7:3).


m.p. 172° C. dec.; IR ν(NH) 3476 cm−1. ν(OH) 3269 cm−1.


Major isomer 1H NMR (d6-DMSO, 298K, 300 MHz) δ 3.94 (s, 3H, OCH3); 6.79 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 7.48 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 9.40 (s, 1H, OH), 10.46 (s, 1H, NH); 13C{1H}NMR (d6-DMSO, 298K, 75 MHz) δ 55.52 (1C, OCH3); 115.46 (2C, CH Ar), 123.91 (2C, CH Ar), 129.49 (1C, C Ar), 154.44 (1C, C Ar), 164.81 (1C, C Ar), 169.57 (1C, C Ar), 171.23 (1C, C Ar).


Minor isomer 1H NMR (d6-DMSO, 298K, 300 MHz) δ 3.96 (s, 3H, OCH3); 6.79 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 7.39 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 9.42 (bs, 1H, OH), 10.10.32 (s, 1H, NH); 13C{1H} NMR (d6-DMSO, 298 K, 75 MHz) δ 55.10 (1C, OCH3); 115.46 (2C, CH Ar), 123.03 (2C, CH Ar), 129.26 (1C, C Ar), 154.76 (1C, C Ar), 165.20 (1C, C Ar), 170.48 (1C, C Ar), 170.64 (1C, C Ar); Anal. Calcd for C10H9CN4O2: C=47.54, H=3.59, N=22.18, Cl=14.03. Found: C=47.57, H=3.55, N=22.10, Cl=14.8.


14-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]phenyl 2-bromo-2-methylpropionate, 5



embedded image


A solution of 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide (1.0 mL, 7.90 mmol) in 20 mL of THF was added dropwise to a solution of 4-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]phenol (1.9 g, 7.52 mmol) and triethylamine in 100 mL of THF, at −10° C. During the addition (ca. 15 min) precipitation of triethylammonium bromide was observed. The reaction was monitored by TLC (SiO2, petroleum ether/Et2O 1:1, 4-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]phenol (starting material) Rf=0.14; 4-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]phenyl 2-bromo-2-methylpropionate (final product) Rf=0.26). After 1.5 h the white suspension was poured into a conical flask containing 150 mL of Et2O and the ammonium salt removed by filtration on a sintered glass frit. The solvent was then evaporated at reduced pressure to give a white crude residue that was suspended in 10 mL of pentane and filtered. We obtained 2.56 g (6.37 mmol, yield 85%) of 4-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]phenyl 2-bromo-2-methylpropionate as a white solid. The 1H NMR analysis (d6-DMSO) revealed the presence, in solution, of 2 rotational isomers (molar ratio 7:3).


m.p. 107-108° C.; IR ν(NH) 3365 cm−1. ν(C═O) 1747 cm−1.


Major isomer: 1H NMR (d6-DMSO, 298 K, 400 MHz) δ 2.05 (s, 6H, C(CH3)2Br), 3.96 (s, 3H, OCH3), 7.17 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 7.77 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 10.78 (s, 1H, NH); 13C{1H} NMR (d6-DMSO, 298 K, 100.6 MHz) δ 30.42 (2C, CH3), 55.75 (bs, 1C, OCH3), 57.29 (1C, C(CH3)2Br), 121.96 (2C, CH Ar), 122.12 (2C, CH Ar), 136.29 (1C, C Ar), 146.61 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 165.10 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 169.89 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 170.16 (1C, C═O), 171.33 (bs, 1C, C Ar).


Minor isomer: 1H NMR (d6-DMSO, 298 K, 400 MHz) δ 2.05 (s, 6H, C(CH3)2Br), 3.96 (s, 3H, OCH3), 7.17 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 7.69 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 10.66 (s, 1H, NH); 13C(1H) NMR (d6-DMSO, 298 K, 100.6 MHz) δ 30.42 (2C, CH3), 55.75 (bs, 1C, OCH3), 57.29 (1C, C(CH3)2Br), 121.96 (2C, CH Ar), 122.73 (2C, CH Ar), 136.29 (1C, C Ar), 146.61 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 165.10 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 169.89 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 170.16 (1C, C═O), 171.33 (bs, 1C, C Ar).


Typical Polymerisation of MMA.

CuBr (0.134 g, 0.934 mmol) was placed in an oven-dried Schlenk tube. The tube was fitted with a rubber septum, evacuated and flushed with dry N2 three times. Methyl methacrylate (10 mL, 93.4 mmol) and xylene (20 mL) were transferred to the tube via degassed syringe. The mixture was stirred rapidly under nitrogen and N-(n-propyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine (NMPI) (0.408 g, 1.86 mmol) was added which imparted a deep red/brown colour to the solution. Appropriate initiator (0.934 mmol) was added and the resulting solution was degassed by three freeze-pump-thaw cycles. The resulting mixture was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 90° C. Samples were taken periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was measured by gravimetry by drying to constant weight in a vacuum oven at 70° C. The catalyst was removed from the samples by passing through a column of activated basic alumina prior to SEC. (see FIG. 1).









TABLE 1







Polymerisation of MMA in Xylene Solution (33% v/v) at 90° C.














[MMA]/








Cu(I)Br]



[Cu(II)/



Br2/[NMPI]/
Time
Mn

Conv
Kp[Pol*]a *


Initiator
[Initiator]
Min
G mol−1
PDi
%
104 s−1
















5
100/1/0/2/1c
480
8200
1.14
66



6
100/1/0/1/2.1
600
8900
1.20
75
0.047






(9000b)



7
37/1/0/1/2.1
138
5800
1.05
89
0.32






(5800b)



7
60/0.95/0.05/
2880
3200
1.04
37
0.22



1/2.1


(3100b)



EiBr
100/1/0/2/1d
2880
2500
1.16
71






(2400b)







akp[Pol*] = rate constant of propagation × [active propagating polymer chains] from first order kinetic plot.




bdetermined by the 1H NMR peak intensity ratio on a Bruker DPX 300 MHz




cN-(n-octyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine used as the ligand




d10 mole % HEMA/90 mole % MMA







Typical Polymerisation of Styrene.

CuBr (0.055 g, 0.38 mmol) was placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The tube was fitted with a rubber septum, evacuated and flushed three times with dry N2. Styrene (10 mL, 96 mmol) was transferred, to the tube via degassed syringe. The mixture was stirred rapidly under nitrogen and 4,4′-di(5-nonyl)-2,2′-bipyridyl (dNbpy) (0.314 g, 0.768 mmol) was added, imparting a deep red/brown colour to the solution. Initiator 7 (0.035 g, 0.048 mmol, 0.192 mmol of initiating sites) was added and the resulting solution was degassed by three freeze-pump-thaw cycles. The resulting mixture was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath 110° C. for 4.5 hours. The catalyst was removed from the samples by passing through a column of activated basic alumina prior to SEC.


Kinetic Studies for Initiators 6 and 1%

Samples were removed periodically using degassed syringes and quenched in liquid nitrogen for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was determined by NMR on a Bruker DPX 300. For Living Radical Polymerisation initiated by 6, samples were passed over a basic alumina column and then filtered in a syringe equipped with a 0.22 μm hydrophobic filter prior to molecular weight studies. In the ease of LRP initiated by 7, molecular weight was determined by diluting the sample with THF and letting it settle overnight to precipitate the catalyst residues. The upper liquid was then filtered with a 0.22 μm hydrophobic filter. This method was chosen for N-hydroxysuccinimide-functionalised polymers as these polymers could not be passed over basic alumina.


Synthesis of a N-Benzylamide Functionalised Poly(MMA)

Benzylamine was added to a solution of N-hydroxysuccinimide terminated poly(methyl methacrylate) in anhydrous THF. N-hydroxysuccinimide-terminated poly(methyl methacrylate) (Mn=3200 g mol−1, PDI=1.06) (1.00 g, 0,313 mmol) and three equivalents of benzylamine (0,100 mL, 0,938 mmol) were dissolved in 10 mL of dry THF in a dry Schlenk and stirred at 50° C. for 3 days under nitrogen. After reaction, the polymer was precipitated in cold petroleum ether (see FIG. 2).


This shows that N-benzylamide functional groups may be added and can be used to reach with free amide groups of the sort found in proteins.




embedded image




embedded image


N-Hydroxysuccinimide Initiator (7) (NHS—Br)
Reagents.

Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (Mn=ca 475, Aldrich, 99%) and anhydrous toluene was degassed by bubbling with dry nitrogen for 30 minutes before use. The ligand N-(n-propyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine was prepared as described previously1. Copper(I) bromide (Avocado, 98%) was purified as necessary by a method based on that of Keller and Wyooft2. Other reagents were all commercial products and used without further purification.


Typical Procedure.

Polymerizations were carried out at 30° C. mediated by copper(I) bromide/N-(n-propyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine. A typical polymerization recipe is based on 33% v/v monomer in toluene. The ratio of initiator/Cu(I)Br/ligand is 1/1/2.1 on a molar basis. A dry Schlenk tube was charged with Cu(I)Br (0.3099 g, 2.16×10−3 mol), NHS—Br (7) (0.5704 g, 2.16×10−3 mol) and a magnetic bar prior to being deoxygenated by cycling between nitrogen and vacuum three times. To the flask was then added PEGMA (10 ml, 2.27×10−2 mol) and toluene (20 ml). The mixture was immediately subjected to three freeze-pump-thaw degassing cycles. Finally N-(n-propyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.707 ml, 4.54×10−3 mol) was added and the flask was placed in an oil bath thermostatted at 30° C.


Kinetic Studies.

Samples were removed periodically using degassed syringes and quenched in liquid nitrogen for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was determined by NMR on a Brüker DPX 300 MHz. Molecular weight was determined by diluting the sample with toluene and allowing it to settle down overnight to remove the copper complexes. The upper liquid was then filtered with a 0.22 μm hydrophobic filter. This method was chosen because of the difficulty encountered to pass the polymer over a basic alumina column. Number average molecular weights (Mn) were determined by Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) in a system fitted with a 5 mm guard column, two Polymer Labs mixed E columns, a differential refractive index detector, and an auto sampler. The system was elided with THP at a rate of 1 mL/min. Toluene was used as the flow marker.


Purification.

N-hydroxysuccinimide functionalised poly(PEGMA) were purified by two consecutive purifications from a Toluene solution in diethyl ether.









TABLE 1







Kinetic data for the polymerisation of PEGMA initiated by


NHS-Br in toluene solution


(33% v/v) at 30° C. ([PEGMA]0/[CuBr]0/[NHSBr]0/[L]0 = 10/1/1/2.1).











Time
Conversion
Mn,exp

Mn,theo b


(h)
(%)
(g, mol−1)
Mw/Mn a
(g, mol−1)














1
8.9
2350
1.10
450


2
18.4
2860
1.26
920


3
27.1
3100
1.20
1360


4
34.7
3600
1.13
1730


17
80.8
5670
1.06
4040






a determined by SEC analysis calibrated with Poly(MMA) standards - THF.




b Mn,theo = ([M]0/[I]0 × M.W.MMA × Conv.)/100.














TABLE 2







Characterisation of Poly(PEGMA) prepared by LRP












Kp[Pol*] a
Mn,exp b

Mn,theo b



(h−1)
(g, mol−1)
Mw/Mn
(g, mol−1)





NHS-Poly(PEGMA)
0.096
6200
1.05
4040






a Kp[Pol*] = rate constant of propagation.




b determined by SEC calibrated with Poly(MMA) standards - THF (stabilised with topanol).




b Mn,theo = ([M]0/[I]0 × M.W.MMA × Conv.)/100.







REFERENCES



  • (a) D. M. Haddletori, M. C. Crossman, B. H. Dana, D, J. Duncalf, A. M. Henning, D. Kukulj and A. J. Shooter, Macromolecules, 1999, 32, 2110.

  • (b) R. N. Keller and W. D. Wycoff, Inorg. Synth., 1947, 2, 1.



Polymerisation of Methoxypolyethyleneglycol Methacrylate (2080) Using the Initiator Thrived from N-Hydroxy Succinimide
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=19.2/1/1/2 in 80% Toluene Solution (AJ U2-27a)@30° C.

N-hydroxy succinimide initiator, (0.05 g, 0,189 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.027 g, 0.189 mmol, 1 eq) and methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate (PEG) (average molecular weight=2080, 7.55 g, 3.63 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (28 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylimethanimine (0.05 g, 0.38 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 30° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was followed by 1H NMR spectrometry and molecular weight analysis by SEC.


The polymer was purified by the dropwise addition of the reaction solution to a vigorously stirred solution of diethyl ether (400 mL). The resulting white powder was filtered, dissolved in toluene (20 mL) and precipitated in diethyl ether (400 mL). This procedure was repeated three times.









TABLE 1







Data for the polymerization of methoxypolyethyleneglycol


methacrylate (2080) with an initiator derived from N-hydroxy


succinimide at 30° C. in 80% toluene solution.










Sample





Time/minutes
Conversiona/%
Mnb
PDib













89
4
3380
1.04


291
9
9820
1.09


901
17
10030
1.07


1369
23
11080
1.07


2760
26
12610
1.07


3965
28
14830
1.04






aConversion was determined using 1H NW.




bMolecular mass determined by SEC using PMMA standards.







Bisomer S20W (50% aqueous solution of methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate) was freeze dried prior to use to remove all water.


[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=19.2/1/1/2 in 80% Toluene Solution (AJ U2-27b) @50° C.

N-hydroxy succinimide initiator, (0.05 g, 0.189 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.027 g, 0.189 mmol, 1 eq) and methoxypolyethyleneglyeol methacrylate (PEG) (average molecular weight=2080, 7.55 g, 3.63 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with thy nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (28 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.05 g, 0.38 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was followed by 1H NMR spectrometry and molecular weight analysis by SEC.


The polymer was purified by the dropwise addition of the reaction solution to a vigorously stirred solution of diethyl ether (400 mL). The resulting white powder was filtered, dissolved in toluene (20 mL) and precipitated in diethyl ether (400 mL). This procedure was repeated three times.









TABLE 2







Data for the polymerization of methoxypolyethyleneglycol


methacrylate (2080) with an initiator derived from N-hydroxy


succinimide at 50° C. in 80% toluene solution.












Sample






Time/minutes
Conversiona/%
Mnb
PDib
















86
7
8700
1.06



289
12
10920
1.07



899
24
14450
1.05



1367
33
15810
1.04



2758
45
20220
1.07



3962
53
23180
1.07








aConversion was determined using 1H NMR.





bMolecular mass determined by SEC using PMMA standards.







Bisomer S20W (50% aqueous solution of methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate) was freeze dried prior to use to remove all water.


[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=19.2/1/1/2 in 80% Toluene Solution (AJ U2-27c)@90° C.


N-hydroxy succinimide initiator, (0.05 g, 0.189 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.027 g, 0.189 mmol, 1 eq) and methoxypolyethyleneglycol methactylate (PEG) (average molecular weight=2080, 7.55 g, 3.63 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (2 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.05 g, 0.38 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 90° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was followed by 1H NMR spectrometry and molecular weight analysis by SEC.


The polymer was purified by the dropwise addition of the reaction solution to a vigorously stirred solution of diethyl ether (400 mL). The resulting white powder was filtered, dissolved in toluene (20 mL) and precipitated in diethyl ether (400 mL). This procedure was repeated three times.









TABLE 3







Data for the polymerization of methoxypolyethyleneglycol


methacrylate (2080) with an initiator derived from N-hydroxy


succinimide at 90° C. in 80% toluene solution.










Sample





Time/minutes
Conversiona/%
Mnb
PDib













86
18
11100
1.08


289
26
14870
1.08


899
31
17900
1.08


1367
35
18110
1.09


2758
38
18110
1.09


3962
39
18240
1.08






aConversion was determined using 1H NMR.




bMolecular mass determined by SEC using PMMA standards.







Bisomer S20W (50% aqueous solution of methoxypolyethyleneglyeol methacrylate) was freeze dried prior to use to remove all water.


[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=23.9/1/1/2 in 66% Toluene Solution (AJ U2-11) @90° C.

N-hydroxy succinimide initiator, (23 g, 9.47 mmol), Cu(I)Br (1.35 g, 9.47 mmol, 1 eq) and methoxypoiyethyleneglycol methacrylate (PEG) (average molecular weight=628, 142.0 g, 0.226 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (261 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine: (2.80 g, 0.019 mol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 90° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was followed by 1H NMR spectrometry and molecular weight analysis by SEC.


The polymer was purified by the dropwise addition of the reaction solution to a vigorously stirred solution of diethyl ether (1000 mL). The resulting oil was washed with diethyl ether (3×1000 mL) and then dried in vacuo.









TABLE 4







Data for the polymerization of methoxypolyethyleneglycol


methacrylate (628) with an initiator derived from N-hydroxy


succinimide at 90° C. in 66% toluene solution.












Sample






Time/minutes
Conversiona/%
Mnb
PDib
















48
21
4449
1.11



132
40
7198
1.08



185
44
7779
1.07



245
46
8105
1.09



300
48
8331
1.09








aConversion was determined using 1H NMR.





bMolecular mass determined by SEC using PMMA standards.







Bisomer MPEG550MA was used as provided.


Polymerisation of Methoxypolyethyleneglycol Methacrylate (1080) Using the N-Hydroxy Succinimide Derived Initiator
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=13.9/1/1/2 in 66% Toluene Solution (AJ U2-13)@90° C.

N-hydroxy succinimide initiator, (0.526 g, 1.99 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.29 g, 2.02 mmol, 1 eq) and methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate (PEG) (average molecular weight=1080, 29.62 g, 0.027 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (60 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.51 g, 3.96 mol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 90° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was followed by 1H NMR spectrometry and molecular weight analysis by SEC.


The polymer was purified by the dropwise addition of the reaction solution to a vigorously stirred solution of diethyl ether (1000 mL). The resulting oil was washed with diethyl ether (3×1000 mL) and then dried in vacuo.









TABLE 5







Data for the polymerization of methoxypolyethyleneglycol


methacrylate (1080) with an initiator derived from N-hydroxy


succinimide at 90° C. in 66% toluene solution.










Sample
Conversiona/




Time/minutes
%
Mnb
PDib





1250
47.3
12180
1.16


2460
50.4
12460
1.16


3890
52.8
12540
1.20






aConversion was determined using 1H NMR.




bMolecular mass determined by SEC using PMMA standards.







[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=9.3/1/1/2 in 66% Toluene Solution (AJ U2-15) @90° C.

N-hydroxy succinimide initiator, (0.5 g, 1.89 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.27 g, 1.89 mmol, 1 eq) and methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate (PEG) (average molecular weight=1080, 18.90 g, 0.018 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (35 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.51 g, 3.79 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled of bath at 90° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was followed by 1H NMR spectrometry and molecular weight analysis by SEC.









TABLE 6







Data for the polymerization of methoxypolyethyleneglycol


methacrylate (1080) with an initiator derived from N-hydroxy


succinimide at 90° C. in 66% toluene solution.












Sample
Conversiona/





Time/minutes
%
Mnb
PDib







4160
88.7
9870
1.22








aConversion was dertimined using 1H NMR.





bMolecular mass determined by SEC using PMMA standards.







Bisomer S10W (50% aqueous solution of methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate) was freeze dried prior to use to remove all water.


Polymerisation of Methxrypolyethyleneglycol Methacrylate (628) Using the Hydroxy Succinimide Derived Initiator
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.4/1/1/2 in 66% Toluene Solution (AJ U2-31a) @30° C.

N-hydroxy succinimide initiator, (0.5 g, 1.89 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.27 g, 1.89 mmol, 1 eq) and methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate (PEG) (average molecular weight=628, 7.57 g, 0.012 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in art oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (14 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.51 g, 3.79 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 30° C. (r=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was followed by 1H NMR spectrometry and molecular weight analysis by SEC.









TABLE 7







Data for the polymerization of methoxypolyethyleneglycol


methacrylate (628) with an initiator derived from N-hydroxy


succinimide at 30° C. in 66% toluene solution.












Sample
Conversiona/





Time/minutes
%
Mnb
PDib







60
19
2850
1.04



131
32
3230
1.10



199
45
3560
1.12



250
53
3760
1.12



298
56
3980
1.12








aConversion was determined using 1H NMR.





bMolecular mass determined by SEC using PMMA standards.








Bisomer MPEG550MA was used as provided.


[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.4/1/1/2 in 66% toluene solution (AJ U2-31b) @50° C.


N-hydroxy succinimide initiator, (0.5 g, 1.89 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.27 g, 1.89 mmol, 1 eq) and methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate (PEG) (average molecular weight=628, 7.57 g, 0.012 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (14 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.51 g, 3.79 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. Conversion was followed by 1H NMR spectrometry and molecular weight analysis by SEC.









TABLE 8







Data for the polymerization of methoxypolyethyleneglycol


methacrylate (628) with an initiator derived from N-hydroxy


succinimide at 50° C. in 66% toluene solution.












Sample
Conversiona/





Time/minutes
%
Mnb
PDib
















59
39
3212
1.09



126
56
3958
1.11



195
69
4375
1.13



246
75
4649
1.13



295
82
4874
1.13








aConversion was determined using 1H NMR.





bMolecular mass determined by SEC using PMMA standards.







Bisomer MPEG550MA was used as provided.


EXPERIMENTAL
General Experimental

For all following polymerisations conversion data was obtained by 1H NMR spectroscopy and molecular weight data (Mn and PDi) by SEC using PMMA standards.


Methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylates were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich or Laporte Performance Chemicals and used either as received (MPEG(395)MA: Mn 475 g mol−1 and BISOMER MPEG(550)MA: Mn 628 g mol−1) or freeze dried prior to use to remove all water (BISOMER S10W MPEG(1000)MA: Mn 2080 g mol−1 and BISOMER S20W MPEG(2000)MA: Mn=2080 g mol−1).


The ligands N-(n-alkyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine were prepared as described previously.1 Copper(I) bromide was purified as necessary by a method based on that of Keller and Wycoff.2


All other reagents were obtained from either Sigma-Aldrich, Romil, Fisher or Acros and used as received.


Functional Initiators

The following table lists the functional initiators used to polymerise the methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylates.









TABLE 1







Functional initiators.








Initiator code
Initiator structure





 8


embedded image







 7


embedded image







 5


embedded image







 9


embedded image







 6


embedded image







10


embedded image







11


embedded image







12


embedded image







13


embedded image







14


embedded image







15


embedded image











Functional Polymers

The following table lists the functional polymers prepared using methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylates and the initiators shown in Table 1. These polymers can be used either directly to react with useful biomolecules or converted simply into new macromolecules that will react with useful biomolecules.









TABLE 2







Functional polymers.










Initiator




used
Polymer structure











 8


embedded image









 7


embedded image









 5


embedded image









 9


embedded image









 6


embedded image









10


embedded image









11


embedded image









12


embedded image









13


embedded image









14


embedded image









15


embedded image












Preparation of Initiators and Intermediates
Preparation of Initiator 8
N-hydroxysuccinimde-2-bromopropionate



embedded image


N-hydroxysuccinimide (4.51 g, 39.22 mmol) and 2-bromopropionic acid (2.9 mL, 32.68 mmol) were dissolved in anhydrous DCM (1000 ml) in a 2000 mL round-bottomed flask under nitrogen equipped with a magnetic stirrer. The flask was then cooled to 0° C. with an ice bath before the dropwise addition of a solution of N,N′-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (6.70 g, 32.68 mmol) in 50 mL of anhydrous DCM. After addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then filtered and the solvent evaporated to give a yellow solid that was purified by flash chromatography (CC, SiO2, Et2OO, Rf(ester)=0.31). Obtained 7.2 g (28.91 mmol, 74%) of product as a white solid. Melting point: 69-70° C. 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm) 1.96 (d, 3H, CH(CH)Br, J=6.78 Hz), 2.86 (s, 4H, Hcycl), 4.61 (q, 1H, CH(CH3)Br, J=7.03 Hz). 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm) 21.67 (1C, CH(CH3)Br) 25.74 (2C, Ccycl), 34.97 (1C, CH(CH3)Br), 166.17 (1C, C═O), 168.69 (2C, Ccycl═O). IR (solid, ATR cell) ν (cm−1) 1808, 1781 (Ccycl═O), 1729 (C═O). Mass spectroscopy (+EI, m/z) 248.964. Elem. Anal. Theoretical for C7H8NO4Br: C, 33.62; H, 3.22; N, 5.60. Found: C, 33.47; H, 3.16; N, 5.46.


Preparation of Initiator 7
N-hydroxysuccinimide-2-bromo-2-methylpropionate



embedded image


N-Hydroxysuccinimide (11.51 g, 0.1 mol) was dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (100 ml) with triethylamine (28.1 mL, 0.2 mol) under nitrogen in a 250 ml round-bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer. The flask was cooled to 0° C. with an ice bath before the dropwise addition of 2-bromo-2-methylpropionyl bromide (13.9 mL, 0.11 mol). Next the mixture was stirred for 45 minutes and allowed to reach room temperature. After this the reaction mixture was poured into an excess of cold water and extracted with diethyl ether (3×50 mL). The organic layer was subsequently washed with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium carbonate (3×50 mL), acidified water (pH=4.5, 3×50 mLl), and again the saturated aqueous solution of sodium carbonate (3×50 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and filtered. Finally the solvent was removed under reduced pressure by using the rotary evaporator in order to isolate the title compound in quantitative yield as a white solid. 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm) 2.08 (s, 6H, C(CH3)2Br), 2.87 (s, 4H, Hcycl). 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm) 26.03 (2C, Ccycl), 31.09 (2C, C(CH3)2Br), 51.60 (1C, (CH3)2Br), 167.89 (1C, C═O), 169.02 (2C, Ccycl═O). IR (solid, ATR cell) ν (cm−1) 1803, 1772 (Ccycl═O), 1728 (C═O), 1394, 1359, 1197, 1121, 1071, 996, 924, 856, 811, 731, 648. Mass spectroscopy (+EI, m/z) 266, 265, 156, 151, 149, 123, 121, 116, 115, 91, 87, 70, 69. Elem. Anal. Theoretical for C8H10NO4Br: C, 36.39; H, 3.82; N, 5.30; Br, 30.26. Found: C, 36.35; H, 3.82; N, 5.03; Br, 30.17. Melting point 72-74° C.


Preparation of Initiator 5
2,4-Dichloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazine3



embedded image


To 200 ml of methanol and 25 ml of water were added 33.6 g. (0.4 mole) of sodium bicarbonate and 36.8 g. (0.2 mole) of cyanuric chloride. This mixture was stirred at 30° C. for 30 minutes until the evolution of carbon dioxide had nearly ceased, and water was then added. The crystalline solid which separated was filtered, washed with water, and dried in a vacuum desiccator. The yield of crude 2,4-dichloro-6-methoxy-triazine was 10.5 g. (58%), m.p. 87-89° C. After recrystallization from heptane the m.p. was 88-90° C. Elem. Anal. Calcd. for C4H3N3OCl2: C, 26.67; H, 1.67; N, 23.35; Cl, 39.44. Found: C, 26.96; H, 1.84; N, 23.25; Cl, 39.19.


4-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-trazine-2-yl)amino]phenol



embedded image


A solution of 2,4-dichloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazine (9.00 g, 50.0 mmol) in 100 mL of acetone was cooled to 0° C. and, under stirring, solid 4-amino phenol (5.46 g, 50.0 mmol) was added in small portion, over ca 2 min. The white suspension was then let to warm to room temperature and stirred for further 1 h, while being neutralized with a 2 M aqueous solution of Na2CO3 during the reaction. The mixture was then poured into 500 mL of ice/water and the resulting white precipitate was filtered and dried, to give 9.6 g (38.0 mmol, yield 76%) of 4-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]phenol that can be used without further purifications. An analytical sample can be obtained by flash chromatography (CC, SiO2, petroleum ether/Et2O 1:1, Rf=: 0.14). The NMR analysis (DMSO d6) reveals the presence, in solution, of 2 rotational isomers (molar ratio 7:3). M.p was 172° C. IR ν(NH) 3476 cm−1. ν(OH) 3269 cm−1. Major isomer: 1H NMR (DMSO d6) δ=3.94 (s, 3H, OCH3); 6.79 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 7.48 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 9.40 (s, 1H, OH), 10.46 (s, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (DMSO d6) δ 55.52 (1C, OCH3); 115.46 (2C, CH Ar), 123.91 (2C, CH Ar), 129.49 (1C, C Ar), 154.44 (1C, C Ar), 164.81 (1C, C Ar), 169.57 (1C, C Ar), 171.23 (1C, C Ar). Minor isomer: 1H NMR (DMSO d6) δ 3.96 (s, 3H, OCH3); 6.79 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 7.39 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 9.42 (bs, 1H, OH), 10.10.32 (s, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (DMSO d6) δ=55.10 (1C, OCH3); 115.46 (2C, CH Ar), 123.03 (2C, CH Ar), 129.26 (1C, C Ar), 154.76 (1C, C Ar), 165.20 (1C, C Ar), 170.48 (1C, C Ar), 170.64 (1C, C Ar).


4-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]phenyl-2-bromo-2-methylpropionate



embedded image


A solution of 2-bromoisobutryl bromide (1.0 mL, 7.90 mmol) in 20 mL of THF was added dropwise to a solution of 4-[(4-chloro-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]phenol BIW009 (1.9 g, 7.52 mmol) and triethylamine (1.1 mL, 8.0 mmol) in 100 mL of THF, at −10° C. During the dropping (ca. 15 min) the precipitation of triethylammonium bromide was observed. The reaction was monitored by TLC (SiO2, petroleum ether/Et2O 1:1, BIW009 (starting material) Rf=0.14; BIW010 (final product) Rf=0.26). After 1.5 h the white suspension was poured into a conical flask containing 150 mL of Et2O and the ammonium salt removed by filtration on a sintered glass frit. The solvent was then evaporated at reduced pressure to give a white crude residue that was suspended in 10 ml of pentane and filtered. Obtained 2.56 g (6.37 mmol, yield 85%) of BIW010 as white solid. The NMR analysis (DMSO d6) revealed the presence, in solution, of 2 rotational isomers (molar ratio 7:3). M.p. 107-108° C. IR ν(NH) 3365 cm−1. ν(C|O) 1747 cm−1. Major isomer: 1H NMR (DMSO d6) δ 2.05 (s, 6H, C(CH3)2Br), 3.96 (s, 3H, OCH3), 7.17 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 7.77 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 10.78 (s, 1H, NH). 13C{1H} NMR (DMSO d6) δ=30.42 (2C, CH3), 55.75 (bs, 1C, OCH3), 57.29 (1C, C(CH3)2Br), 121.96 (2C, CH Ar), 122.12 (2C, CH Ar), 136.29 (1C, C Ar), 146.61 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 165.10 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 169.89 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 170.16 (1C, OC(O)C(CH3)2Br), 171.33 (bs, 1C, C Ar). Minor isomer. 1H NMR (DMSO d6) δ=2.05 (s, 6H, C(CH3)2Br), 3.96 (s, 3H, OCH3), 7.17 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 7.69 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H, CH Ar), 10.66 (s, 1H, NH).



13C NMR (DMSO d6) δ=30.42 (2C, CH3), 55.75 (bs, 1C, OCH3), 57.29 (1C, C(CH3)2Br), 121.96 (2C, CH Ar), 122.73 (2C, CH Ar), 136.29 (1C, C Ar), 146.61 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 165.10 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 169.89 (bs, 1C, C Ar), 170.16 (1C, OC(O)C(CH3)2B3r), 171.33 (bs, 1C, C Ar).


Preparation of Initiator 9
2-Hydroxyethyl-2-bromo-2-methylpropionate



embedded image


Ethylene glycol (279 g, 4500 mmol) and Et3N (3.34 g, 33.0 mmol) were poured in a 2-necked round bottom flask. To this was added dropwise and a solution of 2-bromoisobutryl bromide (6.90 g, 30.0 mmol) in anhydrous THF (50 mL) at room temperature over ca. 1 h. The colourless solution was stirred overnight, then diluted in 500 mL of water and extracted with 3×200 mL of a mixture of Et2O/CH2Cl2 (4:1). The organic layers, reunited, were washed with 2×200 mL of water and dried over MgSO4. Evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressure (rotavapor, without heating) gave a pale yellow liquid. The latter was dissolved in ca. 30 mL of CH2Cl2 then 10 g of SiO2 were added and the solvent evaporated again until a white powder was obtained. This was poured in a column packed with SiO2, (ca 15 cm depth) previously eluted with petroleum ether/Et2O 5:1 and purified by column chromatography (elute with petroleum ether/Et2O 5:1) to eliminate the impurities. The desired product, using this solvent mixture, has an Rf˜0 (stays on the bottom of the TLC plate). When the impurities have been eliminated, the column was eluted with 100% Et2O, to give a colourless liquid. Yield 82%. IR ν(N—H) 3388 cm (broad); ν(C═O) 1731 cm−1. 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ=1.97 (s, 6H, CH3); 3.89 (t, J=4.6 Hz; 2H, OCH2CH2OH); 4.33 (t, J=4.6 Hz; 2H, OCH2CH2OH). 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ=30.45 (2C, CH3), 55.55 (1C, C(CH3)2Br); 60.66 (1C, OCH2CH2OH); 65.90 (1C, OCH2CH2OH); 171.69 (1C, C═O).


Preparation of Initiator 6
2-Phthalmidoethyl-2-bromo-2-methylpropionate



embedded image


N-(2-hydroxyethyl)phthalimide (19.12 g, 0.1 mol) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (250 mL) with triethylamine (28.1 mL, 0.2 mol) under nitrogen in a 500 mL round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer and dropping funnel. The flask was cooled to 0° C. with an ice/salt bath before the dropwise addition of 2-bromo-2-methylpropionyl bromide (13.9 mL, 0.11 mol). The mixture was stirred for 45 minutes and allowed to reach room temperature before the mixture was poured into an excess of cold water and the product extracted with diethyl ether (3×100 mL). The organic layer was subsequently washed with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium carbonate (3×100 mL), acidified water (pH 4.6, 3×100 mL) and again with saturated aqueous solution of sodium carbonate (3×100 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and filtered. The product was isolated via reduction under reduced pressure to obtain a white solid (25.79 g, 75.8% yield). 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm) 1.81 (s, 6H, C(Ct)2Br), 3.95 (t, 2H, J=5.3 Hz, CH2—N), 4.35 (t, 2H, J=5.4 Hz, CH2—O), 7.67 (m, 2H, Haro), 7.78 (m, 2H, Haro). 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm) 31.00 (2C, C(CH3)2Br), 37.12 (1C, CH2—N), 55.92 (1C, C(CH3)2Br), 63.42 (1C, CH2—O), 123.78 (2C, Caro), 132.35 (1C, CIVaro), 133.54 (2C, Caro), 168.40 (2C, Ccycl═O), 171.87 (1C, C═O). IR (solid, ATR cell) ν (cm−1) 2975, 1774 (Ccycl═O), 1705 (C═O), 1417, 1392, 1321, 1276, 1158, 1105, 1063, 985, 763, 716, 632. Melting point 63-65° C.


Preparation of Initiator 10
Tritylthiolether Propanol



embedded image


Sodium hydride (10.95 g, 0.273 mol, 60% in oil) was suspended in THF (750 mL) at 0° C. Triphenylmethanethiol (75.5 g, 0.273 mol) in THF (600 ml) was added to the suspension and stirred at 0° C. for 10 minutes. 3-Bromo-1-propanol (24.75 mL, 0.273 mol) in THF (300 mLl) was added and the mixture stirred at 0° C. for 20 minutes. After this time TLC showed mostly one major product (Rf approx 0.3 ethyl acetate/hexane 1:9). Water was added and the product extracted into ethyl acetate (2×1000 mL) (an aqueous NaCl solution was used to break up the emulsion), dried with sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using ethyl acetate/hexane 1:9 to 1:4 as the eluent (SiO2) to give a white solid, which was triturated with hexane and filtered to give 65.2 g of product. 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ ppm 7.6-7.1 (m, 15H Haro), 3.58 (t, 2H, CH2OH), 2.29 (t, 2H, SCH2), 1.65 (q, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 1.45 (OH).


3-Tritylthioletherpropyl-2-bromo-2-methylpropionate



embedded image


Tritylthiol ether propanol (50 g, 0.150 mol), triethylamine (31.3 mL, 0.225 mol) and anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (125 mL) were placed in a three-necked round bottom flask containing a magnetic follower and fitted with a pressure equalizing dropping funnel. The flask was cooled with the use of an ice bath and 2-bromoisobutyrl bromide (27.8 mL, 0.225 mol) was added to the dropping funnel. Whilst stirring the 2-bromoisobutyrl bromide was added drop-wise to the cooled solution and the solution left stirring over night. The mixture is then filtered to remove the triethylamine hydrochloride salt before the addition of dichloromethane (500 mL) and subsequently washed with dilute hydrochloric acid (2×300 mL), dilute sodium hydroxide (2×300 mL) and finally distilled water (3×300 mL). The Organic layer was separated and the product isolated by flash evaporation of solvent, the product was then triturated with hexane, filtered and the product collected in quantitative yield. 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ ppm 7.4-7.1 (m, 15H, Haro), 4.02 (t, 2H, CH2CO2), 2.15 (t, 2H, SCH2), 1.78 (s, 3H, C(CH3)2Br), 1.63 (q, 2H, CH2CH2CH2).


Preparation of Initiator 11
4-(2-bromo-2-methylpropionate) benzaldehyde



embedded image


4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde 12.21 g (0.1 moles), triethylamine, 15.3 mL (0.11 moles) and anhydrous THF 400 mL were placed in a 3 neck round bottomed flask, Bromoisobutyryl bromide 13.6 mL (0.11 moles) was added slowly with stirring. A white precipitate of triethylammonium bromide was formed. The mixture was left to react for 6 hours with stirring. On completion of the reaction triethylammonium bromide was removed by filtration and the THF was removed by rotary evaporation. The resulting orange liquid was dissolved in dichloromethane and subsequently washed with 2×200 mL portions of saturated Na2CO3 (aq), dil. HCl (aq) and distilled water. The dichloromethane was dried using MgSO4 and the solvent removed by rotary evaporation to give a yellow oily liquid which crystallised upon standing. This was recrystalised from diethyl ether×2. Yield=18.95 g (69.9%). 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm) 10.00 (s, 1H, CHO), 7.94 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 2H, Haro), 7.31 (d, J=4.8 Hz 2H, Haro), 2.06 (s, 6H, C(CH2Br). 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm) 190.59, 169.33, 155.08, 134.07, 131.02, 121.71, 54.94, 30.25. IR (Solid, ATR Cell) 2984, 2820, 2730 (O═C—H), 1746 (C═O), 1693 (H—C—O), 1590, 1500, 1374, 1262, 1207, 1153, 1132, 1099, 1009, 932, 881, 808, 658: +EI MS (m/z) 273, 271 (mass peaks), 210, 193, 163, 151, 149, 140, 123, 121, 102. Elem. Anal. Theoretical for H11O3Br: C=48.73, H=4.09. Found: C=48.63, H=4.03.


Preparation of Initiator 12
2-(2,2-Dimethoxy-ethoxy)-ethanol



embedded image


Potassium hydroxide (30 g, 0.51 mol) was suspended in ethylene glycol (100 ml) and the mixture was heated to 115° C. with stirring. After the KOH dissolved completely, 2-chloro-1,1-dimethoxy-ethane (30.0 mL, 0.263 mol) was added dropwise (ca. 30 minutes) and the solution was stirred at 115° C. for 72 h. The resulting suspension was cooled to room temperature and 150 mL water was added. The solution was extracted with dichloromethane (3×100 mL) and the organic layers combined was washed with brine (2×100 mL) and dried with MgSO4. After filtration the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give the product as a yellow oil (Yield, 17.7 g, 44.9%). 1H NMR (400.03 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=2.20 (s, 1H, OH), 3.40 (s, 6H, OCH3), 3.55 (d, J=5.3 Hz, 2H, CHCH2), 3.63-3.61 (m, J=4.0 Hz, OCH2), 3.74-3.72 (m, J=4.0 Hz, 2H, CH2OH), 4.52 (t, 1H, CH(OCH3)2. 13C{H} NMR (100.59 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=54.12 (2C, CH3), 61.82 (1C, CH2OH), 70.78 (1C, CHCH2O), 73.00 (1C, OCH2CH2), 102.73 (1C, CH). Anal. Calcd. for C6H14O4: C, 47.99; H, 9.40. Found C, 45.02; H, 8.74


2-Bromo-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-(2,2-dimethoxy-ethoxy)-ethyl ester



embedded image


A solution of 2-(2,2-dimethoxy-ethoxy)-ethanol (11 g, 0.073 mol) and triethylamine (12 mL, 0.088 mol) in dichloromethane (150 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and a solution of 2-bromo-2-methyl propionyl bromide (8.5 mL, 0.069 mol) in 50 mL of dichloromethane was added dropwise in ca. 30 min. After stirring overnight at room temperature the resulting suspension was filtered and the yellow solution was washed with saturated NaHCO3 aqueous solution (2×100 mL) and dried with MgSO4. After filtration the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the yellow oily residue was purified by distillation (b.p. 70° C./0.02 mbar) to give 14.0 g (0.061 mol, yield: 89%) of product as a colourless oil. 1H NMR (400.03 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=1.94 (s, 6H, (CH3)2CBr), 3.39 (s, 6H, OCH3), 3.56 (d, J=5.3 Hz, 2H, CHCH2), 3.76 (t, J=4.8 Hz, CH2OCH2), 4.33 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 2H, CH2OCO), 4.50 (t, 1H, CH(OCH3)2. 13C{1H} NMR (100.59 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=30.90 (2C, C(CH3)2), 54.13 (2C, CH3O), 55.79 (1C, BrC(CH3)2), 65.24 (1C, CH2OC(═O)), 69.21 (1C, CHCH2O), 71.18 (1C, OCH2CH2), 102.83 (1C, CH).


Preparation of Initiator 13
3-(2,5-Dioxo-2,5-dihydro-pyrrol-1-yl)-propionic acid



embedded image


A solution of maleic anhydride (5.00 g, 0.0561 mol) in acetic acid (70 ml) was added dropwise to a solution of β-alanine (5.50 g, 0.0561 mol) in acetic acid (25 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for three hours. 50 mL of acetic acid was added to the white suspension and the mixture heated up to 115° C. After 1 h a limpid colourless solution was observed. The mixture was then stirred at this temperature overnight and the colour turned to orange. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and 30 mL of toluene was then added to the resulting orange oil. This was then evaporated under reduced pressure and this operation was repeated 3 times. The orange residue was then purified by flash chromatography (CC, SiO2, CH2Cl2/ethyl acetate 9:1) to give the product as a white solid (3.86 g, 0.0228 mol, 41%). m.p. 105-107° C. IR (neat): 3092, 2883, 2537, 1695, 1445, 1411, 1373, 1337, 1305, 1230, 1151, 1081, 1043, 924, 830, 773, 694, 618 cm−1. 1H NMR (400.03 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=2.69 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 211, CH2), 3.82 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H, CH2), 6.71 (s, 2H, CHvinyl), 10.07 (bs, 1H, COOH). 13C{1H} NMR (100.59 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=32.62 (1C, CH2), 33.36 (1C, CH2), 134.38 (2C, CHvinyl), 170.48 (1C, C), 176.64 (2C, C). Anal. Calcd. for C7H7NO4: C, 49.71; H, 4.17; N, 8.28. Found C, 49.35; H, 4.19; N, 7.95.


3-(2,5-Dioxo-2,5-dihydro-pyrrol-1-yl)-proponyl chloride (3-malemidopropionyl chloride)



embedded image


3-(2,5-Dioxo-2,5-dihydro-pyrrol-1-yl)-propionic acid (2.20 g, 0.0130 mol) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (100 mL). Oxalyl chloride (1.1 mL, 0.0130 mol) was then added, at room temperature. 50 μL of DMF were added dropwise and an intense evolution of gas was observed. The solution was colourless before the addition of DMF and remained colourless for 1 h, then slowly turned to very pale yellow (but still very limpid). After 3 h the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give an off-white solid that became pale brown after standing under vacuum at room temperature for 1 h. The acid chloride product so obtained was used directly without further purifications. IR (neat): 3095, 1803 1698, 1446, 1410, 1387, 1360, 1307, 1230, 1148, 1131, 1083, 1011, 948, 922, 833, 719, 689, cm−1. 1H NMR (400.03 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=3.25 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H, CH2), 3.86 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H, CH2), 6.73 (s, 2H, CHvinyl). 13C{1H} NMR (100.59 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=33.21 (1C, CH2), 44.97 (1C, CH2), 134.47 (2C, CHvinyl), 170.08 (2C, C), 171.50 (1C, C).


2-Bromo-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-[3-(2,5-dioxo-2,S-dihydro-pyrrol-1-yl)-propionyloxy]-ethyl ester



embedded image


2-Hydroxyethyl-2-bromo-2-methylpropionate (initiator 9) (0.187 g, 0.887 mmol) and 3-(2,5-Dioxo-2,5-dihydro-pyrrol-1-yl)-propionic acid (0.300 g, 1.77 mmol) were dissolved in dichloromethane (10 ml) under nitrogen in a 25 ml round-bottomed flask. Then N,N′-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (0.366 g, 1.77 mmol) was added to the solution. After one day at room temperature, very low conversion was observed and 0.5 ml (9.50×10−3 mmol) of a solution of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) in dichloromethane (Conc.DMAP=19 mmol/l) was added. Total conversion was then achieved in 12 hours and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The solid residue was extracted with 3×50 ml of petroleum ether and the petroleum ether was removed by evaporation under vacuum in order to isolate a colourless oil (0.270 g, 0.745 mmol, 84%). The pale pink residue was extracted with 3×50 ml of diethylether, but TLC(CH2Cl2/AcOEt 9:1) revealed that only traces of the ester were present. An analytical pure sample was obtained by flash chromatography (cc, SiOz, Pet. Ether/Et2O 3:1).



1H NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm) 1.88 (s, 6H, C(Ch)2Br), 2.62 (t, 2H, CH2—COO(CH2)2—O, Jab=7.02 Hz), 3.78 (t, 2H, (CO)2N—CH2, Jab=7.07 Hz), 4.27-4.35 (m, 4H, O—(CH2)2—O), 6.68 (s, 2H, OC—CH═CH—CO). 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ (ppm) 30.61 (2C, C(CH3)2Br), 32.75 (1C, CH2—COO(CH2)—O), 33.46 (1C, (CO)2N-CH2), 55.45 (1C, C(CH3)2Br), 62.04 (1C, CH2—COO—CH2), 63.35 (1C, CH2—OOC—C(CH3)2Br), 134.25 (2C, OC—CH═CH—CO), 170.29 (1C, C═O ester), 170.40 (1C, C═O ester), 171.39 (2C, O═C—N(CH2)—C═O). IR (solid, ATR cell) ν (cm−1) 1769 ( ν(C═O, imide)), 1736 ( ν(C═O, acid)), 1707 ( ν(C═O, imide)).


Preparation of Initiator 14
2-Bromo-2-methyl-propionic acid 3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-propyl ester



embedded image


A solution of 3-amino propanol (3.00 mL, 0.0392 mol) in 100 mL of THF was cooled to 0° C. and Boc2O (8.56 g, 0.0322 mol) in THF (50 mL) was added dropwise (ca. 20 min.). The solution was then warmed up to room temperature and stirred for 3 h. TLC analysis (SiO2, 100% Et2O) revealed the complete disappearance of the amino alcohol starting material (Rf=0) and the presence of the expected N-Boc-protected amino alcohol intermediate (Rf=0.25). The mixture was then cooled to 0° C. and Et3N (6.0 mL, 0.0431 mol) was added via syringe. A solution of 2-bromo isobutyryl bromide (4.85 mL, 0.0392 mol) in THF (50 mL) was added dropwise in ca. 30 min. and the resulting white suspension stirred at 0° C. for 1 h and at room temperature for further 2 h. The mixture was then diluted with Et2O (200 mL) and the ammonium salt was filtered off and washed with 3×50 mL of Et2O. The colourless solution was washed with 3×100 mL of water and dried over MgSO4. Removal of the solvent under reduced pressure gave the product a colourless oil that was purified by flash chromatography (CC, SiO2, Petroleum ether/Et2O 8:1). Obtained 10.42 g (0.0321 mol, 82%) of (1) as colourless oil. IR (neat): 3295, 2976, 1734, 1713, 1695, 1517, 1463, 1391, 1366 1273, 1163, 1109, 1013, 633 cm−1. 1H NMR (400.03 MHz, CDC3, 298 K) δ=1.43 (s, 9H, CH3), 1.88 (quint., J=6.3 Hz, 2H, CH2), 1.93 (s, 6H, CH3), 3.23 (q, J=6.0 Hz, 2H, CH2), 4.24 (q, J=6.0 Hz, 2H, CH2), 4.77 (bs, 1H, NH). 13C {1H} NMR (100.59 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=28.54 (3C, CH3), 28.99 (1C, CH2), 30.88 (2C, CH)), 37.57 (1C, CH2), 55.95 (1C, C), 63.86 (1C, CH2), 156.03 (1C, C), 171.89 (1C, C). Anal. Calcd. for C12H22BrNO4: C, 44.46; H, 6.84; N, 4.32; Br, 24.65. Found C, 44.48; H, 6.91; N, 4.33. Br, 24.91.


Preparation of Initiator 15
4,10-Dioxa-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione



embedded image


Maleic anhydride (30.00 g, 0.306 mol) was suspended in 150 mL of toluene and the mixture warmed to 80° C. Furan (33.4 mL, 0.459 mol) was added via syringe and the turbid solution stirred for 6 h. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature and the stirring was stopped. After 1 h the resulting white crystals were filtered off and the solid washed with 2×30 mL of petroleum ether. Obtained 44.40 g (0.267 mol, 87% yield) of the desired product as small white needless. m.p. 124-127° C. (dec.) IR (neat): 1857, 1780, 1309, 1282, 1211, 1145, 1083, 1019, 947, 920, 902, 877, 847, 800, 732, 690, 674, 633, 575 cm−1. 1H NMR (400.03 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=3.17 (s, 2H, CH), 5.45 (t, J=1.0 Hz, 2H, CHO); 6.57 (t, J=1.0 Hz, 2H, CHvinyl). 13C{1H} NMR (100.59 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=48.85 (2C, CH), 82.35 (2H, CHO), 137.12 (2C, CHvinyl), 170.04 (2C, CO). Anal. Calcd. for C8H6O4: C, 57.84; H, 3.64. Found C, 57.74; H, 3.68.


4-(2-Hydroxy-ethyl)-10-oxa-4-aza-trcyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione



embedded image


The anhydride, 4,10-dioxa-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione, (2.00 g, 12.0×10−3 mol) was suspended in 50 mL of MeOH and the mixture cooled to 0° C. A solution of ethanolamine (0.72 mL, 12.0×10−3 mol) in 20 mL of MeOH was added dropwise (10 min) and the resulting solution was stirred for 5 min at 0° C., then 30 min at room temperature and finally refluxed for 4 h. After cooling to room temperature the solvent was removed under reduced pressure, the white residue was dissolved in 150 mL of CH2Cl2 and washed with 3×100 mL of water. The organic layer was dried over MgSO4 and filtered. Removal of the solvent under reduced pressure furnished the desired product (1.04 g 5.0×10−3 mol, 42% yield) as white solid that was used for the next step without further purifications. An analytical sample was obtained by flash chromatography (CC, SiO2, 100% ethyl acetate, Rf(6)=0.26). m.p. 139-141° C. (dec). IR (neat): 3472, 1681, 1435, 1405, 1335, 1269, 1168, 1100, 1053, 1013, 959, 916, 875, 850, 807, 722, 705, 654 cm−1. 1H NMR (400.03 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ 1.90 (bs, 1H, OH); 2.90 (s, 2H, CH), 3.69-3.72 (m, 2H, CH2), 3.76-3.78 (m, 2H, CH2), 5.28 (t, J=0.9 Hz, 2H, CH), 6.52 (t, J=0.9 Hz, 2H, CHvinyl). 13C{1H} NMR (100.59 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=41.77 (2C, NCH2), 60.18 (2C, OCH2), 47.50 (2C, CH), 81.04 (2C, CH), 136.60 (2C, CHvinyl), 176.97 (2C, C). Anal. Calcd. for C10H11NO4: C, 57.41; H, 5.30; N, 6.70. Found C, 57.16; H, 5.37; N, 6.62.


2-Bromo-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-(3,5-diaxo-10-oxa-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-en-4-yl)-ethyl ester



embedded image


A solution of the alcohol, 4-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-10-oxa-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione, (2.22 g, 10.6×10−3 mol) and Et3N (1.6 mL, 11.7×10−3 mol) in 120 mL of THF (the solution remains slightly turbid) was cooled to 0° C. and a solution of 2-bromo isobutiryl bromide (1.4 mL, 11.1×10−3 mol) in 40 mL of THF was added dropwise (30 min). The white suspension was stirred for 3 h at 0° C., then at room temperature overnight. The ammonium salt was filtered off and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give a pale-yellow residue that was purified by flash chromatography (CC, SiO2, petroleum ether/ethyl acetate 1:1, Rf(7)=0.23). Obtained 3.54 g (9.88×10−3 mol, 93% yield) of initiator 15 as a white solid. m.p. 83-85° C. IR (neat): 1733, 1695, 1419, 1395, 1336, 1278, 1157, 1106, 1015, 874, 852, 824, 724, 706, 654, 603 cm−1. 1H NMR (400.03 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=1.86 (s, 6H, CH3), 2.84 (s, 2H, CH), 3.78 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 2H, NCH2); 4.30 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 2H, OCH2); 5.23 (t, J=1.0 Hz, 2H, CHO); 6.49 (t, J=1.0 Hz, 2H, CHvinyl). 13C{1H} NMR (100.59 MHz, CDCl3, 298 K) δ=30.65 (2C, CH2), 37.65 (2C, NCH2), 47.56 (2C, CH), 55.80 (1C, C(CH3)2Br), 62.26 (OCH2), 80.91 (2H, CHO), 136.62 (2C, CHvinyl), 171.46 (1C, COester), 175.95 (2C, COimide). Anal. Calcd. for C14H16NO5: C, 46.95; H, 4.50; N, 3.91; Br, 22.31. Found C, 46.88; H, 4.55; N, 3.79; Br, 22.22


Preparation of PolyPEG Polymers
Polymerisations Using Initiator 8



embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(395)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=10/1/1/2 in 50v/v % Toluene Solution at 30° C.

A dry Schlenk tube was charged with Cu(I)Br (0.326 g, 2.27×10−3 mol), initiator 8 (0.569 g, 2.27×10−3 mol) and a magnetic follower prior to being deoxygenated by cycling between nitrogen and vacuum three times. To a second Schlenk tube was added MPEG(395)MA (10 mL, 22.74×10−3 mol), N-(n-ethyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.64 mL, 4.54×10−3 mol) and toluene (10 mL). The mixture was immediately subjected to five freeze-pump-thaw degassing cycles. This solution was then transferred to the Schlenk tube containing the initiator and Cu(I)Br via a cannula. The resulting brown solution was stirred at 30° C. Samples were removed periodically using degassed syringes and quenched in liquid nitrogen for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 3







Kinetic data for the polymerisation of MPEG(395)MA initiated


by 8 in toluene solution (50% v/v) at 30° C.


([MPEG(395)MA]0/[CuBr]0/[NHSBr]0/[ligand]0 = 10/1/1/2).















Con-







Time
version
ln([M]0/
Mn,then
Mn,SEC


Experiment
(h)
(%)
[M])
(g · mol−1)
(g · mol−1)
Mw/Mn
















Toluene
2
4.5
0.046
230
3040
1.07


Ethyl
4
17.3
0.190
870
3710
1.30


Ligand
6
30.2
0.359
1510
4480
1.13



8
40.2
0.514
2010
4950
1.11



10
49.3
0.679
2470
5530
1.10



21
92.3
2.564
4620
7980
1.09









Polymerisation of MPEG(550)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.37/1/1/2 in 73 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50/70° C.

Initiator 8 (0.10 g, 0.400 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.057 g, 0.400 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA, (1.60 g, 2.55 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (5.90 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.114 g, 0.797 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The temperature was increased to 70° C. after 5 hours 32 minutes.









TABLE 4







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA


with initiator 8 at 50/70° C. in 73 w/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi
















385
15
4730
1.05



1357
42
10440
1.10



1663
45
10280
1.12










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.37/1/1/2 in 73 w/v % Toluene Solution at 90° C.

Initiator 8 (0.10 g, 0.400 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.057 g, 0.400 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (1.60 g, 2.341 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (5.90 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.114 g, 0.797 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 90° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 5







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA


with initiator 8 at 90° C. in 73 w/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi
















138
46
6950
1.09



240
46
7220
1.12



314
48
7370
1.12



1293
59
7690
1.14










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=31.9/1/1/2 in 67 v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 8 (0.10 g, 0.40 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.0574 g, 0.40 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (8.0 g, 12.7 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (14.7 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.107 g, 0.80 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The polymer was purified by removing the solvent in vacuo and dialysising the residue using acidic water (pH ˜4). Subsequent freeze drying isolated the product.









TABLE 6







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA


with initiator 8 at 50° C. in 67 v/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi
















120
7
7189
1.089



240
15
8976
1.074



360
20
10477
1.074



1320
87
23051
1.147










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.4/1/1/2 in 67 v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 8 (0.10 g, 0.40 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.0574 g, 0.40 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (1.60 g, 2.55 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (3.0 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.107 g, 0.80 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 7







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA


with initiator 8 at 50° C. in 67 v/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi
















180
13
4984
1.064



360
31
6628
1.110



1320
86
11282
1.104










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu(I)]/[Cu(II)]/[L]=6.4/1/0.95/0.05/2 in 67 v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 8 (0.10 g, 0.40 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.0545 g, 0.38 mmol, 0.95 eq), Cu(II)Br (0.0045 g, 0.02 mmol, 0.05 eq), and MPEG(550)MA (1.60 g, 2.55 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (3.0 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.107 g, 0.80 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 8







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA


with initiator 8 at 50° C. in 67 v/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi
















180
5
4743
4743



360
16
5904
5904



1320
65
11202
11202



1800
78
12245
12245










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=64/1/1/2 in 67v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 8 (0.10 g, 0.40 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.0574 g, 0.40 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (1.60 g, 2.55 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (3.0 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.119 g, 0.80 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 9







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA


with initiator 8 at 50° C. in 67 v/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi
















180
13
4875
1.041



360
22
5601
1.087



1320
66
9897
1.091










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.4/1/2 in 67 v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 8 (0.10 g, 0.40 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.0574 g, 0.40 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (1.60 g, 2.55 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (3.0 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-octyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.175 g, 0.80 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 10







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA


with initiator 8 at 50° C. in 67 v/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi
















180
19
5034
1.075



360
33
6636
1.101



1320
85
11294
1.097










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=64/1/1/2 in 67 v/v % Toluene Solution at 70° C.

Initiator 8 (0.10 g, 0.40 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.0574 g, 0.40 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (1.60 g, 2.55 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (3.0 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.107 g, 0.80 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 70° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 11







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA


with initiator 8 at 70° C. in 67 v/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi
















60
20
5455
1.096



120
52
7898
1.114



180
73
9544
1.086



240
80
10207
1.095










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]==6.4/1/112 in 67 v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 8 (6.0 g, 24 mmol), Cu(I)Br (3.44 g, 24 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (96 g, 0.153 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (176 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (6.44 g, 48 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The polymer was purified by removing the solvent in vacuo and dialysising the residue using acidic water (pH ˜4). Subsequent freeze drying isolated the product.









TABLE 12







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA


with initiator 8 at 50° C. in 67 v/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi







1200
66
8207
1.118



1500
75
9276
1.082



1680
81
9342
1.096










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]==23.2/1/1/2 in 80 v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 8 (0.10 g, 0.40 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.0574 g, 0.40 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(1000)MA (10.0 g, 9.3 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (40 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.107 g, 0.80 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t—0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The polymer was purified by removing the solvent in vacuo and dialysising the residue using acidic water (pH ˜4). Subsequent freeze drying isolated the product.









TABLE 13







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA


with initiator 8 at 50° C. in 80 w/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi
















300
3
9760
1.056



1260
41
19436
1.087



3000
79
29013
1.132



7020
87
30046
1.149










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]==46.3/1/1/2 in 80 v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 8 (0.10 g, 0.40 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.0574 g, 0.40 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(1000)MA (20.0 g, 18.5 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (80 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.107 g, 0.80 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The polymer was purified by removing the solvent in vacuo and dialysising the residue using acidic water (pH ˜4). Subsequent freeze drying isolated the product.









TABLE 14







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA


with initiator 8 at 50° C. in 80 w/v %


toluene solution.












Sample
Conversion/





Time/minutes
%
Mn
PDi
















300
4
11014
1.070



1260
15
14388
1.080



3000
31
26378
1.096



7020
53
33388
1.154










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]==23.2/1/1/2 in 80 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 8 (1.0 g, 4.0 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.574 g, 4.0 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(1000)MA (100 g, 93.0 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (200 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (1.07 g, 8.0 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The polymer was purified by removing the solvent in vacuo and dialysising the residue using acidic water (pH ˜4). Subsequent freeze drying isolated the product.









TABLE 15







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA with initiator


8 at 50° C. in 80 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















4320
89
37676
1.143









Polymerisations Using Initiator 7



embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(395)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=10/1/1/2 in 50 v/v % Toluene Solution at 30° C.

A dry Schlenk tube was charged with Cu(I)Br (0.326 g, 2.27 mmol), initiator 7 (0.601 g, 2.27 mmol) and a magnetic follower prior to being deoxygenated by cycling between nitrogen and vacuum three times. To a second Schlenk tube was added MPEG(395)MA (10 mL, 22.74 mmol), N-(n-propyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.71 mL, 4.54 mmol) and toluene (10 mL). The mixture was immediately subjected to five freeze-pump-thaw degassing cycles. This solution was then transferred to the Schlenk tube containing the initiator and Cu(I)Br via a cannula. The resulting brown solution was stirred at 30° C. Samples were removed periodically using degassed syringes and quenched in liquid nitrogen for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 16







Kinetic data for the polymerisation of MPEG(395)MA


initiated by 7 in toluene solution (50% v/v) at 30° C.


([MPEG(395)MA]0/[CuBr]0/[NHSBr]0/[ligand]0 = 10/1/1/2).













Solvent/
Time
Conversion
ln([M]0/
Mn,then
Mn,SEC



Ligand
(h)
(%)
[M])
(g · mol−1)
(g · mol−1)
Mw/Mn
















Toluene
1
8.9
0.0933
450
2350
1.10


Propyl
2
18.4
0.204
920
2860
1.26


ligand
3
27.1
0.316
1360
3100
1.20



4
34.7
0.4259
1740
3600
1.13



17
80.8
1.6510
4050
5670
1.06









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=10/1/1/2 in 50 v/v % Anisole Solution at 30° C.

A dry Schlenk tube was charged with Cu(I)Br (0.326 g, 2.27 mmol), initiator 7 (0.601 g, 2.27 mmol) and a magnetic follower prior to being deoxygenated by cycling between nitrogen and vacuum three times. To a second Schlenk tube was added MPEG(395)MA (10 mL, 22.74 mmol), N-(n-ethyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.64 mL, 4.54 mmol) and anisole (10 mL). The mixture was immediately subjected to five freeze-pump-thaw degassing cycles. This solution was then transferred to the Schlenk tube containing the initiator and Cu(I)Br via a cannula. The resulting brown solution was stirred at 30° C. Samples were removed periodically using degassed syringes and quenched in liquid nitrogen for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 17







Kinetic data for the polymerisation of MPEG(395)MA


initiated by 7 in anisole solution (50% v/v) at 30° C.


([MPEG(395)MA]0/[CuBr]0/[NHSBr]0/[ligand]0 = 10/1/1/2).













Solvent/
Time
Conversion
ln([M]0/
Mn, theo
Mn, SEC



Ligand
(h)
(%)
[M])
(g · mol−1)
(g · mol−1)
Mw/Mn
















Anisole
2
17.0
0.1861
850
2670
1.11


Ethyl
4
26.8
0.3116
1340
3460
1.12


ligand
6
34.8
0.4277
1740
4260
1.11



22
81.4
1.6809
4080
6350
1.06









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=10/1/1/2 in 50 v/v % Anisole Solution at 30° C.

A dry Schlenk tube was charged with Cu(I)Br (0.326 g, 2.27 mmol), initiator 7 (0.601 g, 2.27 mmol) and a magnetic follower prior to being deoxygenated by cycling between nitrogen and vacuum three times. To a second Schlenk tube was added MPEG(395)MA (10 mL, 22.74 mmol), N-(n-propyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.71 mL, 4.54 mmol) and anisole (10 mL). The mixture was immediately subjected to five freeze-pump-thaw degassing cycles. This solution was then transferred to the Schlenk tube containing the initiator and Cu(I)Br via a cannula. The resulting brown solution was stirred at 30° C. Samples were removed periodically using degassed syringes and quenched in liquid nitrogen for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 18







Kinetic data for the polymerisation of MPEG(395)MA


initiated by 7 in anisole solution (50% v/v) at 30° C.


([MPEG(395)MA]0/[CuBr]0/[NHSBr]0/[ligand]0 = 10/1/1/2).













Solvent/
Time
Conversion
ln([M]0/
Mn, theo
Mn, SEC



Ligand
(h)
(%)
[M])
(g · mol−1)
(g · mol−1)
Mw/Mn
















Anisole
2
9.8
0.1030
490
2070
1.10


Propyl
4
16.8
0.1837
842
2480
1.12


ligand
6
28.7
0.3378
1440
2870
1.13



27
83.4
1.7985
4180
6280
1.06









Polymerisation of MPEG(550)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.4/1/1/2 in 66 w/v % Toluene Solution at 30° C.

Initiator 7 (0.5 g, 1.89 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.27 g, 1.89 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (7.57 g, 0.012 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (14 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.51 g, 3.79 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 30° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 19







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


7 at 30° C. in 66 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















60
19
2850
1.04



131
32
3230
1.10



199
45
3560
1.12



250
53
3760
1.12



298
56
3980
1.12









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.4/1/1/2 in 66 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (0.5 g, 1.89 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.27 g, 1.89 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA) (7.57 g, 0.012 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (15 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.51 g, 3.79 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 20







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


7 at 50° C. in 66 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















59
39
3212
1.09



126
56
3958
1.11



195
69
4375
1.13



246
75
4649
1.13



295
82
4874
1.13









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=23.9/1/1/2 in 66 w/v % Toluene Solution at 90° C.

Initiator 7 (2.5 g, 9.47 mmol), Cu(I)Br (1.35 g, 9.47 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (142.0 g, 0.226 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (261 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (2.80 g, 0.019 mol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 90° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis The polymer was purified by the dropwise addition of the reaction solution to a vigorously stirred solution of diethyl ether (1000 mL). The resulting oil was washed with diethyl ether (3×1000 mL) and then dried in vacuo.









TABLE 21







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


7 at 90° C. in 66 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















48
21
4449
1.11



132
40
7198
1.08



185
44
7779
1.07



245
46
8105
1.09



300
48
8331
1.09









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.4/1/1/2 in 66 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (10.0 g, 0.038 mol), Cu(I)Br (5.41 g, 0.038 mol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (151.0 g, 0.240 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (302 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (10.2 g, 0.0761 mol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0). Conversion was followed by 1H NMR spectrometry and molecular weight analysis by SEC.









TABLE 22







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


7 at 50° C. in 66 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













235
86.4
5140
1.13









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.46/1/1/2 in 62 w/v % Toluene at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (2.95 g, 1.119×10−2 mol), Cu(I)Br (1.60 g, 1.119×10−2 mol) and MPEG(550)MA (45.42 g, 7.23×10−2 mol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Toluene (73 mL) was then added to the Schlenk tube and the mixture degassed via three consecutive freeze, pump, thaw cycles. On completion deoxygenated N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (3.16 mL, 2.24×10−2 mol) was added and the Schlenk placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and sampled for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The polymer was isolated by washing with diethyl ether and subsequently dialysed in acidified water (pH ˜4)









TABLE 23







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


7 at 50° C. in 62 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













300
84.9
4590
1.22









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]==23.9/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (0.05 g, 0.189 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.027 g, 0.189 mmol, 1 eq), 2,2′-bipyridyl (0.059 g, 0.378 mmol), MPEG(550)MA, (2.84 g, 4.52 mmol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (5.68 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube and the resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 24







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


7 at 50° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution using 2,2′-bipyridyl ligand.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













240
85
15443
1.11









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=23.9/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (0.05 g, 0.189 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.027 g, 0.189 mmol, 1 eq), 4,4′-dinonyl-2,2′-dipyridyl (0.1545 g, 0.378 mmol), MPEG(550)MA, (2.84 g, 4.52 mmol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (5.68 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube and the resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 25







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator 7 at 50° C. in


67 w/v % toluene solution using 4,4′-dinonyl-2,2′-dipyridyl ligand.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













240
79
15936
1.16









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=23.9/1/1/1 in 67 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (0.05 g, 0.189 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.027 g, 0.189 mmol, 1 eq), 1,1,4,7,10,10-hexamethyltriethylenetetramine (0.0435 g, 0.189 mmol), MPEG(550)MA, (2.84 g, 4.52 mmol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (5.68 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube and the resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 26







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


7 at 50° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution using


1,1,4,7,10,10-hexamethyltriethylenetetramine ligand.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













240
86
19060
1.16









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=23.9/1/1/1 in 67 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (0.05 g, 0.189 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.027 g, 0.189 mmol, 1 eq), N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (0.0328 g, 0.189 mmol), MPEG(550)MA, (2.84 g, 4.52 mmol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (5.68 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube and the resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 27







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


7 at 50° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution using


N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine ligand.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













240
95
19019
1.20









Polymerisation of MPEG(1000)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=13.9/1/1/2 in 66 w/v % Toluene Solution at 90° C.

Initiator 7 (0.526 g, 1.99 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.29 g, 2.02 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(1000)MA (29.62 g, 0.027 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (60 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.51 g, 3.96 mol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 90° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.


The polymer was purified by the dropwise addition of the reaction solution to a vigorously stirred solution of diethyl ether (1000 mL). The resulting oil was washed with diethyl ether (3×1000 mL) and then dried in vacuo.









TABLE 28







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA with initiator


7 at 90° C. in 66 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













1250
47.3
12180
1.16


2460
50.4
12460
1.16


3890
52.8
12540
1.20









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=9.01/0.24/0.24 in 75 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (5.0 g, 0.019 mol), Cu(I)Br (0.66 g, 4.61 mmol, 0.24 eq) and MPEG(1000)MA (185.0 g, 0.171 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (740 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (1.24 g, 9.24 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 29







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA with initiator


7 at 50° C. in 75 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















60
7
5650
0.93



120
11
5595
0.97



285
20
6315
1.02



1340
43
7993
1.08



7476
63
9543
1.06









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=18.5/1/1/2 in 75 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (1.0 g, 3.79 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.54 g, 3.79 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(1000)MA (151.4 g, 0.140 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (608 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (1.02 g, 7.57 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 30







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA with initiator


7 at 50° C. in 75 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















4005
100
8607
1.32









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=18.5/1/1/2 in 75 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (2.0 g, 7.57 mmol), Cu(I)Br (1.08 g, 7.57 mmol, 1 eq) MPEG(1000)MA (151.47 g, 0.140 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (606 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (2.03 g, 0.015 mol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 31







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA with initiator


7 at 50° C. in 75 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















195
20
7270
1.04



1380
53
11964
1.08



2735
73
13945
1.08









Polymerisation of MPEG(2000)MA

[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=19.2/1/1/2 in 80 w/v % toluene solution at 30° C.


Initiator 7 (0.05 g, 0.189 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.027 g, 0.189 mmol, 1 eq) and (MPEG(2000)MA) (7.55 g, 3.63 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (28 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.05 g, 0.38 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 30° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The polymer was purified by the dropwise addition of the reaction solution to a vigorously stirred solution of diethyl ether (400 mL). The resulting white powder was filtered, dissolved in toluene (20 mL) and precipitated in diethyl ether (400 mL). This procedure was repeated three times.









TABLE 32







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator


7 at 30° C. in 80 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















89
4
3380
1.04



291
9
9820
1.09



901
17
10030
1.07



1369
23
11080
1.07



2760
26
12610
1.07



3965
28
14830
1.04









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=19.2/1/1/2 in 80 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 7 (0.05 g, 0.189 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.027 g, 0.189 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(2000)MA (7.55 g, 3.63 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (28 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.05 g, 0.38 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The polymer was purified by the dropwise addition of the reaction solution to a vigorously stirred solution of diethyl ether (400 mL). The resulting white powder was filtered, dissolved in toluene (20 mL) and precipitated in diethyl ether (400 mL). This procedure was repeated three times.









TABLE 33







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator


7 at 50° C. in 80 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















86
7
8700
1.06



289
12
10920
1.07



899
24
14450
1.05



1367
33
15810
1.04



2758
45
20220
1.07



3962
53
23180
1.07









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=19.2/1/1/2 in 80 w/v % Toluene Solution at 90° C.

Initiator 7 (0.05 g, 0.189 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.027 g, 0.189 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(2000)MA (7.55 g, 3.63 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (28 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.05 g, 0.38 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 90° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The polymer was purified by the dropwise addition of the reaction solution to a vigorously stirred solution of diethyl ether (400 mL). The resulting white powder was filtered, dissolved in toluene (20 mL) and precipitated in diethyl ether (400 mL). this procedure was repeated three times.









TABLE 34







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator


7 at 90° C. in 80 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















86
18
11100
1.08



289
26
14870
1.08



899
31
17900
1.08



1367
35
18110
1.09



2758
38
18110
1.09



3962
39
18240
1.08









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]==9.3/1/1/2 in 66 w/v % Toluene Solution at 90° C.

Initiator 7 (0.5 g, 1.89 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.27 g, 1.89 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(1000)MA (18.90 g, 0.018 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (35 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.51 g, 3.79 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 90° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 35







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA with initiator


7 at 90° C. in 66 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













4160
88.7
9870
1.22









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=19.2/1/1/2 in 80 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50/70° C.

Initiator 7 (0.67 g, 2.53 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.36 g, 2.53 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(2000)MA (101.24 g, 0.049 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (405 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.68 g, 5.07 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The temperature was increased to 70° C. after 45 hours 15 minutes.









TABLE 36







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator


7 at 50/70° C. in 80 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















4030
47
24,600
1.06









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=19.2/1/1/2 in 75 w/v % Toluene at 50/70° C.

Initiator 7 (0.66 g, 2.5×10−3 mol), Cu(I)Br (0.36 g, 2.5×10−3 mol) and MPEG(2000)MA (100.0 g, 4.81×10−2 mol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Toluene (300 mL) was then added to the Schlenk tube and the mixture deoxygenated by purging with nitrogen for 1 hour. Deoxygenated N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.706 mL, 5.0×10−3 mol) was then added and the Schlenk placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0). The temperature was increased to 70° C. after 24 hours. The polymer was isolated by washing with diethyl ether and subsequently dialysed in acidified water (pH ˜4).









TABLE 37







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator


7 at 50/70° C. in 75 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













2880
94.2
21900
1.21









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=28.8/1/1/2 in 75 w/v % Toluene at 50/70° C.

Initiator 7 (0.44 g, 1.67×10−3 mol), Cu(I)Br (0.24 g, 1.67×10−3 mol) and MPEG(2000)MA (100.0 g, 4.81×10−2 mol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Toluene (300 mL) was then added to the Schlenk tube and the mixture deoxygenated by purging with nitrogen for 1 hour. Deoxygenated N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.47 mL, 3.33×10−3 mol) was then added and the Schlenk placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. C (t=0). The temperature was increased to 70° C. after 24 hours. The polymer was isolated by washing with diethyl ether and subsequently dialysed in acidified water (pH ˜4).









TABLE 38







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator


7 at 50/70° C. in 75 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













2880
92.8
26370
1.26









Polymerisations Using Initiator 5



embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(550)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=64/1/in 75 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50/90° C.

Initiator 5 (0.25 g, 0.622 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.089 g, 0.622 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (24.90 g, 0.040 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (100 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.167 g, 1.245 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The temperature was increased to 90° C. after 3 hours 15 minutes.









TABLE 39







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


5 at 50/90° C. in 75 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















150
3
5376
1.07



353
9
10390
1.09



1750
27
13890
1.16









Polymerisation of MPEG(1000)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=37/1/1/2 in 75 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 5 (0.125 g, 0.031 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.044 g, 0.031 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(1000)MA (12.45 g, 0.012 mol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (50 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.083 g, 0.062 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 40







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA with initiator


5 at 50° C. in 75 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















62
0
0
0



352
10
9713
1.06



1716
15
10924
1.08



2725
16
11240
1.08



4142
15
12800
1.11









Polymerisations Using Initiator 9



embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(2000)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=28.8:1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Acetone at 50° C.

Initiator 9 (0.035 g, 1.667×10−4 mol), Cu(I)Br (0.024 g, 1.667×10−4 mol) and MPEG(2000)MA (10 g, 4.81×10−3 mol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Acetone (20 mL) was then added to the Schlenk tube and the mixture degassed via three consecutive freeze, pump, thaw cycles. On completion deoxygenated N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.05 mL, 3.54×10−4 mol) was added and the Schlenk placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 41







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator


9 at 50° C. in 67 w/v % acetone solution












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















60
3
25270
1.06



360
19
22690
1.08



3480
74
32080
1.14









Polymerisations Using Initiator 6



embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(2000)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=14.4/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene at 30° C.

Initiator 6 (0.119 g, 3.333×10−4 mol), Cu(I)Br (0.048 g, 3.333×10−4 mol) and MPEG(2000)MA (10 g, 4.81×10−3 mol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Toluene (20 mL) was then added to the Schlenk tube and the mixture degassed via three consecutive freeze, pump, thaw cycles. On completion deoxygenated N-n-propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.10 mL, 6.667×10−4 mol) was added and the Schlenk placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 30° C. (t=0) and sampled for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 42







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator


6 at 30° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













3900
29.5
24120
1.08









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=21.63/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene at 30° C.

Initiator 6 (0.079 g, 2.222×10−4 mol), Cu(I)Br (0.031 g, 2.222×10−4 mol) and PEG(2000)MA (10 g, 4.81×10−3 mol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Toluene (20 mL) was then added to the Schlenk tube and the mixture degassed via three consecutive freeze, pump, thaw cycles. On completion deoxygenated N-n-propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.066 mL, 4.444×10−4 mol) was added and the Schlenk placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 30° C. (t=0) and sampled for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 43







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator


6 at 30° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















6600
27
27480
1.10









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=28.8/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene at 30° C.

Initiator 6 (0.059 g, 1.667×10−4 mol), Cu(I)Br (0.024 g, 1.667×10−4 mol) and MPEG(2000)MA (10 g, 4.81×10−3 mol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Toluene (20 mL) was then added to the Schlenk tube and the mixture degassed via three consecutive freeze, pump, thaw cycles. On completion deoxygenated N-n-propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.049 mL, 1.667×10−4 mol) was added and the Schlenk placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 30° C. (t=0) and sampled for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 44







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator


6 at 30° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















6600
18.3
25290
1.09









Polymerisations Using Initiator 10



embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(395)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]==25/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene at 50° C.

Initiator 10 (0.81 g, 1.68×10−3 mol), Cu(I)Br (0.24 g, 1.68×10−3 mol) and MPEG(395)MA (20.0 g, 4.21×10−2 mol) and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Toluene (41 mL) was then added to the Schlenk tube and the mixture deoxygenated by purging with nitrogen for 1 hour. Deoxygenated N-n-propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.53 mL, 3.37×10−3 mol) was then added and the Schlenk placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and sampled for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 45







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(395) with initiator


10 at 50° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution.












Sample Time/
Conversion/





minutes
%
Mn
PDi















900
52.9
6300
1.11










Polymerisations using Initiator 11




embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(550)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.4/1/1/2 in 67 v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 11 (0.103 g, 0.380 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.054 g, 0.380 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (1.51 g, 2.41 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (2.78 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.10 g, 0.758 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 46







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


11 at 50° C. in 67 v/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













60
24
3545
1.080


120
41
4002
1.102


180
53
4243
1.104


240
64
4506
1.109


300
70
4677
1.108









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6.4/1/1/2 in 67 v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 11 (3.0 g, 11.1 mmol), Cu(I)Br (1.584 g, 11.1 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (44.27 g, 70.5 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (81.3 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (2.97 g, 22.2 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The polymer was purified by removing the solvent in vacuo and dialysising the residue using acidic water (pH ˜4). Subsequent freeze drying isolated the product.









TABLE 47







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator


11 at 50° C. in 67 v/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













60
27
4800
1.096


120
45
5427
1.115


180
60
5895
1.127


240
67
6215
1.133


300
72
6343
1.125









Polymerisation of MPEG(2000)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=12/11/2 in 80 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50/70° C.

Initiator 11 (0.1 g, 0.369 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.053 g, 0.369 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(2000)MA (9.24 g, 4.44 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (37 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.10 g, 0.758 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The temperature was increased to 70° C. after 113 hours. The polymer was purified by removing the solvent in vacuo and dialysising the residue using acidic water (pH ˜4). Subsequent freeze drying isolated the product.









TABLE 48







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator 11


at 50/70° C. in 80 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi





1020
21




1440
23




6780
40




9660
62
20333
1.117









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=24/1/1/2 in 80 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50/70° C.

Initiator 11 (0.1 g, 0.369 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.053 g, 0.369 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(2000)MA (18.48 g, 8.88 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (74 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated by bubbling with nitrogen for 1 hour and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.10 g, 0.758 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The temperature was increased to 70° C. after 113 hours. The polymer was purified by removing the solvent in vacuo and dialysising the residue using acidic water (pH ˜4). Subsequent freeze drying isolated the product.









TABLE 49







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(2000)MA with initiator 11


at 50/70° C. in 80 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













1020
16




2580
19




6780
22




8220
53




9660
0.57
22262
1.140









Polymerisations Using Initiator 12



embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(1000)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=5/1/1/2 in 66 v/v % Toluene Solution at 70° C.

N-(ethyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine ligand (1.41 mL, 10.92 mmol), initiator 12 (1.633 g, 5.46 mmol), and MPEG(1000)MA (27.3 mL, 30 g, 27.3 mmol) were charged to a dry Schlenk tube along with toluene (60 mL) as the solvent and mesitylene (1 mL) as an internal standard. The tube was sealed with a rubber septum and subjected to three freeze pump thaw cycles. This solution was then cannulated under nitrogen into another Schlenk tube, previously evacuated and filled with nitrogen, containing Cu(I)Cl (0.543 g, 5.46 mmol) and a magnetic follower. The brown solution was subsequently heated to 70° C. with constant stirring (t=0). Samples were removed periodically using a degassed syringe for molecular weight and conversion analysis. After 48 h the mixture was diluted with 50 mL of toluene, air was bubbled for 6 h and the green suspension was kept at 0° C. overnight. After filtration through a short neutral alumina column to remove the copper salt, the polymer was precipitated from diethyl ether. The polymer was collected by filtration and dried in vacuum oven (40° C.) overnight.









TABLE 50







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA with initiator 12


at 70° C. in 66 v/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




hours
%
Mn
PDi













1
17.8
1370
1.23


2.5
56.6
10700
1.09


4
73.5
11600
1.15


5
78.9
11600
1.11


6
81.3
11600
1.19


7
85.9
12600
1.15









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=20/1/1/2 in 66 v/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

N-(ethyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine ligand (0.35 mL, 2.73 mmol), initiator 12 (0.41 g, 1.37 mmol), PEG(1000)MA (27.3 mL, 30 g, 27.3 mmol) were charged to a dry Schlenk tube along with toluene (60 mL) as the solvent and mesitylene (1 mL) as internal standard. The tube was sealed with a rubber septum and subjected to three freeze pump thaw cycles. This solution was then cannulated under nitrogen into another Schlenk tube, previously evacuated and filled with nitrogen, containing Cu(I)Br (0.197 g, 1.37 mmol) and a magnetic follower. The brown solution was subsequently heated to 50° C. with constant stirring (t=0). Samples were removed periodically using a degassed syringe for molecular weight and conversion analysis. Half the reaction solution was removed with a dry cannula when conversion was at 66%, bubbled for 6 h with air, and passed over a short neutral alumina column to removed copper salt. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the unreacted monomer was removed by dialysis to give the polymer as a white powder. After 48 h the remaining reaction mixture was diluted with 50 mL of toluene, air was bubbled for 6 h and the green suspension was kept at 0° C. overnight. After filtration through a short neutral alumina column to remove the copper salt, the polymer was precipitated from diethyl ether. The polymer was collected by filtration and dried in vacuum oven (40° C.) overnight.









TABLE 51







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(1000)MA with initiator 12


at 50° C. in 66 v/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




hours
%
Mn
PDi













1
5
1566
1.14


3
11
11400
1.06


6
26
13000
1.07


8
31
12700
1.09


21
61
13600
1.13


24
66
13800
1.14


28
73
14500
1.2


31
76
14900
1.21


46
87
14600
1.18


50.5
89
16000
1.2


54
0.9
17600
1.19









Polymerisations Using Initiator 13



embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(550)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=15.9/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene Solution at 30° C.

Initiator 13 (0.10 g, 0.28 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.039 g, 0.28 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (2.76 g, 4.39 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (5.5 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.074 g, 0.56 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 30° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 52







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator 13


at 30° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













1440
7.8
5626
1.08


4260
14.0
6153
1.11









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=8/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 13 (0.10 g, 0.28 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.039 g, 0.28 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (1.38 g, 2.20 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (2.75 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.074 g, 0.56 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 53







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator 13


at 50° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













7200
44.8
7880
1.16









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=15.9/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 13 (0.10 g, 0.28 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.039 g, 0.28 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (2.76 g, 4.39 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (5.5 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.074 g, 0.56 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 54







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator 13


at 50° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













1440
16.4
7971
1.12


8640
27.2
8378
1.14









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=31.8/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50° C.

Initiator 13 (0.10 g, 0.28 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.039 g, 0.28 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (5.51 g, 8.77 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (11.0 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.074 g, 0.56 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 55







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator 13


at 50° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













1440
9.6
8504
1.11


5760
16.8
9999
1.14


8640
17.8
10208
1.13









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=15.9/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene Solution at 70° C.

Initiator 13 (0.10 g, 0.28 mmol), Cu(I)Br (0.039 g, 0.28 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (2.76 g, 4.39 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (5.5 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.074 g, 0.56 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 70° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis.









TABLE 56







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator 13


at 70° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













120
13.6
5768
1.09


300
21.3
6814
1.10


4260
41.0
8444
1.15









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=15.9/1/1/2 in 67 w/v % Toluene Solution at 50/90° C.

Initiator 13 (0.10 g, 0.28 mmol), Cu(I)Cl (0.0273 g, 0.28 mmol, 1 eq) and MPEG(550)MA (2.76 g, 4.39 mmol), and a magnetic follower were placed in an oven dried Schlenk tube. The Schlenk tube was evacuated and flushed with dry nitrogen three times. Deoxygenated toluene (5.5 mL) was added to the Schlenk tube. The resulting solution was deoxygenated via three freeze pump thaw cycles and then degassed N-ethyl-2-pyridylmethanimine (0.074 g, 0.56 mmol) was added. The reaction was placed in a thermostatically controlled oil bath at 50° C. (t=0) and samples were removed periodically for conversion and molecular weight analysis. The temperature was increased to 90° C. after 163 hours









TABLE 57







Data for the polymerization of MPEG(550)MA with initiator 13


at 50/90° C. in 67 w/v % toluene solution.










Sample Time/
Conversion/




minutes
%
Mn
PDi













9780
3.8
4090
1.09


12660
81.0
16504
1.31









Polymerisations Using Initiator 14



embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(395)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=6/1/1/2 in 50 v/v % Toluene Solution at 40° C.

N-(ethyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine ligand (1.07 mL, 1.017 g, 7.58×10−3 mol), initiator 14 (1.229 g, 3.79×10−3 mol) and MPEG(395)MA (10.80 g, 22.70×10−3 mol) were charged to a dry Schlenk tube along with toluene (10 mL) as the solvent (50% v/v). The tube was sealed with a rubber septum and subjected to three freeze-pump-thaw cycles. This solution was then cannulated under nitrogen into another Schlenk tube, previously evacuated and filled with nitrogen, containing Cu(I)Br (0.544 g, 3.79×10−3 mol) and a magnetic follower. The brown solution was subsequently heated to 40° C. with constant stirring (t=0). Samples were removed periodically using a degassed syringe for molecular weight and conversion analysis. After 48 h the mixture was diluted with 50 mL of toluene, air was bubbled for 6 h and the green suspension was kept at 0° C. overnight. After filtration through a Celite® pad, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give a yellow-brown oil which was dissolved in water (250 mL) and purified by dialysis (Millipore, regenerated cellulose, MWCO 1 kDa, filtration area 0.23 m2) to give the expected polymer as a pale yellow oil.









TABLE 58







Polymerisation data for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 14,


[monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L] = 6:1:1:2.












Monomer/
Time
Conv.





Initiator
(mins)
(%)
ln([M]0/[M])
Mn
PDI















6:1 (40° C.)
60
34.76
0.478
5876
1.03



120
49.43
0.667
7250
1.08



180
62.05
0.889
8089
1.08



240
71.54
1.118
9013
1.10



300
76.33
1.359
9262
1.10



360
80.18
1.556
9561
1.07



420
86.93
1.904
9932
1.10



480
88.72
2.216
10195
1.10









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=28/1/1/2 in 50 v/v % Toluene Solution at 40° C.

N-(ethyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine ligand (1.07 mL, 1.017 g, 7.58×10−3 mol), initiator 14 (0.263 g, 0.812×10−3 mol) and MPEG(395)MA (10.80 g, 22.70×10−3 mol) were charged to a dry Schlenk tube along with toluene (10 mL) as the solvent (50% v/v). The tube was sealed with a rubber septum and subjected to three freeze-pump-thaw cycles. This solution was then cannulated under nitrogen into another Schlenk tube, previously evacuated and filled with nitrogen, containing Cu(I)Br (0.116 g, 0.812×10−3 mol) and a magnetic follower. The brown solution was subsequently heated to 40° C. with constant stirring (t=0). Samples were removed periodically using a degassed syringe for molecular weight and conversion analysis. After 48 h the mixture was diluted with 50 mL of toluene, air was bubbled for 6 h and the green suspension was kept at 0° C. overnight. After filtration through a Celite® pad, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give a yellow-brown oil which was dissolved in water (250 mL) and purified by dialysis (Millipore, regenerated cellulose, MWCO 1 kDa, filtration area 0.23 m2) to give the expected polymer as a pale yellow oil.









TABLE 59







Polymerisation data for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 14,


[monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L] = 28:1:1:2. T = 40° C.












Monomer/
Time
Conv.





Initiator
(mins)
(%)
ln([M]0/[M])
Mn
PDI















28:1 (40° C.)
60
21.8
0.246
5500
1.05



120
24.7
0.284
5798
1.06



180
37.4
0.468
7001
1.09



240
41.5
0.536
7202
1.08



300
46.2
0.620
7633
1.07



360
49.3
0.680
7733
1.09



420
50.7
0.707
7899
1.09



480
55.4
0.808
8099
1.08









[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=28/1/1/2 in 50 v/v % Toluene Solution at 60° C.

N-(ethyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine ligand (1.07 mL, 1.02 g, 7.58×10−3 mol), initiator 14 (0.263 g, 0.812×10−3 mol) and MPEG(395)MA (10.80 g, 22.70×10−3 mol) were charged to a dry Schlenk tube along with toluene (10 mL) as the solvent (50% v/v). The tube was sealed with a rubber septum and subjected to three freeze-pump-thaw cycles. This solution was then cannulated under nitrogen into another Schlenk tube, previously evacuated and filled with nitrogen, containing Cu(I)Br (0.116 g, 0.812×10−3 mol) and a magnetic follower. The brown solution was subsequently heated to 60° C. with constant stirring (t=0). Samples were removed periodically using a degassed syringe for molecular weight and conversion analysis. After 48 h the mixture was diluted with 50 mL of toluene, air was bubbled for 6 h and the green suspension was kept at 0° C. overnight. After filtration through a Celite® pad, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give a yellow-brown oil which was dissolved in water (250 mL) and purified by dialysis (Millipore, regenerated cellulose, MWCO 1 kDa, filtration area 0.23 m2) to give the expected polymer as a pale yellow oil.









TABLE 60







Polymerisation data for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 14,


[monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L] = 28:1:1:2. T = 60° C.












Monomer/
Time
Conv.





Initiator
(mins)
(%)
ln([M]0/[M])
Mn
PDI















28:1 (60° C.)
60
38.0
0.427
5233
1.06



120
48.7
0.682
5656
1.07



180
58.9
0.969
6116
1.06



240
67.3
1.257
6185
1.08



300
74.3
1.441
6416
1.07



360
78.9
1.618
6284
1.08



420
85.1
2.035
6291
1.08



480
89.1
2.182
6610
1.08










[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=10/1/1/2 in 50 v/v % d8-Toluene Solution at 40° C.


N-(n-octyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine ligand (0.052 mL, 0.050 g, 0.228×10−3 mol), initiator 14 (0.037 g, 0.114×10−3 mol) and MPEG(395)MA (0.050 mL, 0.540 g, 1.14×10−3 mol) were charged to a dry Schlenk tube along with d8-toluene (0.50 mL) as the solvent (50% v/v). The tube was sealed with a rubber septum and subjected to three freeze-pump-thaw cycles. This solution was then cannulated under nitrogen into an NMR tube, previously evacuated and filled with nitrogen, containing Cu(I)Br (0.016 g, 0.114×10−3 mol). The tube was then heated to 40° C. and 1H NMR spectra were recorded every 15 minutes.


Polymerisations Using Initiator 15



embedded image


Polymerisation of MPEG(395)MA
[PEG]/[I]/[Cu]/[L]=8/1/1/2 in 50 wv % Toluene Solution at 30° C.

N-(ethyl)-2-pyridylmethanimine ligand (0.80 mL, 0.76 g, 5.68×10−3 mol), initiator 15 (2.03 g, 5.68×10−3 mol) MPEG(395)MA (20.0 mL, 21.6 g, 45.50×10−3 mol) were charged to a dry Schlenk tube along with toluene (20 mL) as the solvent (50% v/v). The tube was sealed with a rubber septum and subjected to three freeze-pump-thaw cycles. This solution was then cannulated under nitrogen into another Schlenk tube, previously evacuated and filled with nitrogen, containing Cu(I)Br (0.41 g, 2.84×10−3 mol) and a magnetic follower (t=0). The brown solution was subsequently stirred at 30° C. Samples were removed periodically using a degassed syringe for molecular weight and conversion analysis. After 7 h the mixture was diluted with 50 mL of toluene, air was bubbled for 6 h and the green suspension was kept at 0° C. overnight. After filtration through a Celite® pad, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give a yellow-brown oil which was dissolved in water (250 mL) and purified by dialysis (Millipore, regenerated cellulose, MWCO I kDa, filtration area 0.23 m2) to give the expected polymer as a pale yellow oil.









TABLE 61







Polymerisation data for TMM-LRP of MPEG(395)MA using initiator 15,


[monomer]:[initiator]:[CuBr]:[L] = 8:1:1:2. T = 30° C.












Monomer/
Time
Conv.





Initiator
(mins)
(%)
ln([M]0/[M])
Mn
PDI















8:1 (30° C.)
60
22.90
0.478
4532
1.07



120
34.64
0.667
5008
1.11



180
45.66
0.889
5379
1.11



246
50.97
1.118
5662
1.09



420
67.14
1.359
6165
1.08









Reactions of PolyPEG Polymers

Reactions of PolyPEG Polymers Prepared from Initiator 8


Hydrolytic Stability of the Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG Polymer Initiated by 8

On-line 1H NMR experiments was carried out, each using a different buffer. N-succinimidyl (initiator 8) terminated poly(MPEG(395)MA (Mn=6400 g/mol, PDI=1.09) (50 mg, 0.00781×10−3 mol) were introduced in an NMR tube and dissolved in 0.5 mL of the appropriate phosphate buffer (pH=8, C=100 mM or 200 mM). NMR spectra were recorded regularly.









TABLE 62







Kinetic data for the hydrolysis of N-succinimidyl terminated


poly(MPEG(395)MA initiated by 8 in different buffers.










100 mM phosphate
200 mM phosphate



buffer (pH = 8)
buffer (pH = 8)












Time
Conversion
Time
Conversion



(h)
(%)
(h)
(%)















0
0
0
0



0.5
4.8
0.5
8.6



1
9.5
1
13.5



1.5
10.1
1.5
17.5



2
15.8
2
19.8



2.5
14.2
2.5
22.7



3
15.1
3
25.5



3.5
18.5
3.5
26.7



4
22.4
4
28.9



4.5
23.2
4.5
33.7



5
26.0
5
33.2



5.5
30.1
5.5
37.1



6
28.7
6
38.9



6.5
30.7
6.5
39.6



7
30.7
7
44.1



7.5
30.1
7.5
43.0



8
37.3
8
44.0



8.5
35.9
8.5
45.2



9
36.7
9
45.8



9.5
40.7
9.5
46.5



10
45.2
10
50.6



10.5
40.8
10.5
49.7



11
43.2
11
52.2



11.5
42.5
11.5
52.5



12
44.8
12
55.6



12.5
45.4
12.5
55.5



13
45.1
13
56.9



13.5
45.0
13.5
53.7



14.5
48.9





15
48.4





15.5
50.1





16
49.6





16.5
50.1





17
52.6





17.5
50.2





18
53.2





18.5
52.0





19
54.9





19.5
55.1





20
53.9





20.5
55.5





21
55.9





21.5
53.0





22
54.5





22.5
55.9





23
55.3





23.5
57.6





24
58.9









Bioconjuction of Succinimide Terminated PolyPEG Polymer Initiated by 8

A set of three experiments was carried out, each containing a different ratio polymer/lysozyme. Low molecular weight succinimidyl ester terminated poly(MPEG(395)MA) prepared from initiator 8 (Mn=6400 g/mol, PDI=1.11) (8.9 mg, 1.39×10−6 mol) for a ratio 2/1, (22.6 mg, 3.50×10−6 mol) for a ratio 5/1 and (89.5 mg, 13.99×10−6 mol) for a ratio 20/1 and lysozyme (10 mg, 0.699×10−6 mol) was dissolved in 10 ml of anhydrous DMSO and 0.5 mL of anhydrous TEA and stirred at room temperature under nitrogen. Samples were taken periodically and analyzed by HPLC. The HPLC system was fitted with a guard column, a BioSep-SEC-S3000 column and a UV detector continuously measuring the relative absorbance of the mobile phase at 215 nm. The system was eluted with 0.1% v/v trifluoroacetic acid solution in water and acetonitrile (69/31 v/v) at a rate of 0.5 mL/min. In the case of a ratio 30:1, the crude was analysed by SDS-PAGE (polyacrylamide resolving gel cross-linking: 15%, running buffer. 25 mM TRIS base, 250 mM glycine, 0.1% SDS, pH 8.7).


Reactions of PolyPEG Polymers Prepared from Initiator 7


Hydrolytic Stability of the Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG Polymer Initialed by 7

On-line 1H NMR experiments was carried out, each using a different buffer. N-succinimidyl (initiator 7) terminated Poly(MPEG(395)MA (Mn=2700 g/mol, PDI=1.12) (50 mg, 0.0185×10-3 mol) were introduced in an NMR tube and dissolved in 0.5 mL of the appropriate buffer (200 mM phosphate buffer (pH=6 and pH=8), 100 mM phosphate buffer (pH=8) or 200 mM borate buffer (pH=9.2)). NMR spectra were recorded regularly.









TABLE 63







Kinetic data for the hydrolysis of the succinimide end group of


Poly(MPEG(395)MA polymer initiated by 7 in different buffers.










200 mM
100 mM
200 mM
200 mM


phosphate
phosphate
phosphate
borate


buffer
buffer
buffer
buffer


(pH = 6)
(pH = 8)
(pH = 8)
(pH = 9.2)















Con-

Con-

Con-

Con-


Time
version
Time
version
Time
version
Time
version


(h)
(%)
(h)
(%)
(h)
(%)
(h)
(%)

















0.03
5.0
0.5
2.5
0.5
3
48
0.8


0.067
15.0
1
4.8
1
5.48
192
3


0.10
25.0
1.5
6.4
1.5
7.6
336
5.2


0.13
35.0
2
9.1
2
9.13
504
9.6


0.17
43.8
2.5
10.2
3
11.56


0.20
48.5
3
11.2
4
14.33


0.23
55.0
3.5
12.4
5
16.5


0.27
60.0
4
14.1
21
31.7


0.30
64.0
4.5
16.1
22
31.32


0.33
66.0
5
17.4
23
33.86


0.37
69.0
5.5
19.6
24
34.04


0.40
70.0
6
20.6
25
33.35


0.43
72.0
6.5
24
39
42.73


0.47
73.0
7
26.2
57
49.2


0.50
74.5
7.5
26.9
77
54.11


0.67
81.4
8
27.7
99
57.3


0.83
87.2
8.5
29.4
125
63


1.00
92.9
9
28.9
146
65.24


1.17
96.7
9.5
30
171
67.35


1.33
100
10
32.7
195
69.7




12.5
35.7
220
72.22




15
38.9
257
75




17.5
41.9
270
75.47




20
46
299
78.07




22.5
49




25
50.7




27.5
53.4




30
54.4




32.5
57.6




35
59




37.5
61.6




40
62.9




42.5
65.1




45
66.3




47.5
68.4




50
69.1




52.5
70




55
72




59.5
73.3









Conversion of Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group

Ethylenediamine (22.4 mL, 0.333 mol) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask fitted with a pressure equalising dropping funnel. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under positive pressure. A solution of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(50)MA) [Mn 4590 PDi 1.22](3.0 g, 9.38×10−4 mol) dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (12 mL) was added to the dropping funnel and the solution added drop-wise to the ethylenediamine. The solution was left stirring for 16 hours before dialysing and subsequently freeze drying to isolate the product. 1H NMR spectra shows the reduction of the succinimide O═C—CH2—CH2—C═O resonance at 2.75 ppm.


Conversion of Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group

Ethylenediamine (14.85 mL, 0.222 mol) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask fitted with a pressure equalising dropping funnel. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under positive pressure. A solution of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(550)MA) [Mn 4590 PDi 1.22](2.0 g, 6.25×10−4 mol) dissolved in water (20 mL) was added to the dropping funnel and the solution added drop-wise to the ethylenediamine. The solution was left stirring for 16 hours before dialysing and subsequently freeze drying to isolate the product. 1H NMR spectra shows reduction of the succinimide O═C—CH2—CH2—C═O resonance at 2.75 ppm.


Conversion of Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group

Ethylenediamine (20.0 mL, 0.299 mol), water (20 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask fitted with a pressure equalising dropping funnel and the solution cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under positive pressure. A solution of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(550)MA) [Mn 4590 PDi 1.22](5.0 g, 1.56×10−3 mol) dissolved in water (50 mL) was added to the dropping funnel and the solution added drop-wise to the ethylenediamine. The solution was left stirring for 24 hours before dialysing and subsequently freeze drying to isolate the product. 1H NMR spectra shows reduction of the succinimide O═C—CH2—CH2—C═O resonance at 2.75 ppm.


Conversion of Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group

Ethylenediamine (1.35 mL, 0.02 mol), water (5 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask fitted with a pressure equalising dropping funnel and the solution cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under positive pressure. A solution of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(550)MA) [Mn 4590 PDi 1.22](1.0 g, 3.13×10−4 mol) dissolved in water (25 mL) was added to the dropping funnel and the solution added drop-wise to the ethylenediamine. The solution was left stirring for 3 hours before adding the solution to 2 L of water and dialysing. Subsequently the dialysed solution was freeze dried to isolate the product. 1H NMR spectra shows reduction of the succinimide O═C—CH2—CH2—C═O resonance at 2.75 ppm.


Conversion of Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group

Ethylenediamine (1.35 mL, 0.02 mol), anhydrous dichloromethane (5 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask fitted with a pressure equalising dropping funnel and the solution cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under positive pressure. A solution of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(550)MA) [Mn 4590 PDi 1.22](1.0 g. 3.13×10−4 mol) dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (25 mL) was added to the dropping funnel and the solution added drop-wise to the ethylenediamine. The solution was left stirring for 3 hours before adding the solution to 2 L of water and dialysing. Subsequently the dialysed solution was freeze dried to isolate the product. 1H NMR spectra shows reduction of the succinimide O═C—CH2—CH2—C═O resonance at 2.75 ppm.


Conversion of Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group

Ethylenediamine (2.68 mL, 0.04 mol), water (10 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask fitted with a pressure equalising dropping funnel and the solution cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under positive pressure. A solution of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(550)MA) [Mn 4590 PDi 1.22](2.0 g, 6.25×10−4 mol) dissolved in water (50 mL) was added to the dropping funnel and the solution added drop-wise to the ethylenediamine. The solution was left stirring for 5.5 hours before adding the solution to 2 L of water and dialysing. Subsequently the dialysed solution was freeze dried to isolate the product. 1H NMR spectra shows reduction of the succinimide O═C—CH2—CH2—C═O resonance at 2.75 ppm.


Conversion of Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group

Ethylenediamine (2.67 mL, 0.04 mol), water (10 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask fitted with a pressure equalising dropping funnel and the solution cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under positive pressure. A solution of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(550)MA) [Mn 4590 PDi 1.22] (2.0 g, 6.25×10−4 mol) dissolved in water (50 mL) was added to the dropping funnel and the solution added drop-wise to the ethylenediamine. The solution was stirred for 4 hours before neutralising the solution with 2M HCl and the water subsequently removed using high vacuum. The polymer was dialysed and then freeze dried to isolate the product. 1H NMR spectra shows reduction of the succinimide O═C—CH2—CH2—C═O resonance at 2.75 ppm.


Conversion of Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group

Ethylenediamine (0.836 mL, 0.013 mol), water (1 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask fitted with a pressure equalising dropping funnel and the solution cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under positive pressure. A solution of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(2000)MA) [Mn 24600 PDi 1.06](5.0 g, 2.03×10−4 mol) dissolved in water (100 mL) was added to the dropping funnel and the solution added drop-wise to the ethylenediamine. The solution was stirred for 4 hours before neutralising the solution with 2M HCl and the water subsequently removed using high vacuum. The polymer was dialysed and then freeze dried to isolate the product 1H NMR spectra shows reduction of the succinimide O═C—CH2—CH2—C═O resonance at 2.75 ppm.


Conversion of Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group

Ethylenediamine (2.5 mL, 0.038 mol), water (10 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask fitted with a pressure equalising dropping funnel and the solution cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under positive pressure. A solution of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(2000)MA) [Mn 24600 PDi 1.06](15.0 g, 7.5×10−4 mol) dissolved in water (400 mL) was added to the dropping funnel and the solution added drop-wise to the ethylenediamine. The solution was stirred for 4 hours before neutralising the solution with 2M HCl then adding NaCl (140 g) before extracting into dichloromethane (4×150 mL). The organic layers were combined and dried over Na2SO4 filtered and then evaporated to dryness before being washed with diethyl ether. The polymer was dialysed and then freeze dried to isolate the product. 1H NMR spectra shows reduction of the succinimide O═C—CH2—CH2—C═O resonance at 2.75 ppm.


Conversion of Succinimide End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group

Ethylenediamine (5.60 mL, 0.08 mol), water (10 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask fitted with a pressure equalising dropping funnel and the solution cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under positive pressure. A solution of succinimide terminated poly(MPEG(2000)MA) [Mn 21900 PDi 1.21](33.5 g, 1.53×10−3 mol) dissolved in water (500 mL) was added to the dropping funnel and the solution added drop-wise to the ethylenediamine. The solution was stirred for 4 hours before neutralising the solution with 2M HCl then adding NaCl (140 g) before extracting into dichloromethane (4×150 mL). The organic layers were combined and dried over Na2SO4 filtered and then evaporated to dryness before being washed with diethyl ether. The polymer was dialysed and then freeze dried to isolate the product. 1H NMR spectra shows reduction of the succinimide O—C—CH2—CH2—C═O resonance at 2.75 ppm.


Conversion of Amine End Group of PolyPEG to Maleimide Group

Amine terminated poly(MPEG(550)MA) [Mn 3200](0.5 g, 1.56×10−4 mol), saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (2.5 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask and cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under an inert atmosphere. To this solution N-methoxycarbonylmaleimide (0.1 g, 6.45×10−4 mol) was added with vigorous stirring. After ten minutes water (5 mL) was added and the reaction left stirring for a further 45 minutes. The pH was then adjusted to 3 with 0.5N sulfuric acid and NaCl (0.15 g) was added. The polymer was then extracted in to dichloromethane (3×50 mL), the extracts were combined and dried over Na2SO4 before being filtered and evaporated to dryness. The polymer was then washed with diethyl ether and dried under vacuum at room temperature. 1H NMR spectra shows appearance of the maleimide resonances at ˜5.9-6.4 and ˜6.7 ppm.


Conversion of Amine End Group of PolyPEG to Maleimide Group

Amine terminated poly(MPEG(550)MA) [Mn 3200](1.0 g, 3.13×10−4 mol), saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (5 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask and cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under an inert atmosphere. To this solution N-methoxycarbonylmaleimide (0.2 g, 1.29×10−3 mol) was added with vigorous stirring. After ten minutes water (10 mL) was added and the reaction left stirring for a further 45 minutes. The pH was then adjusted to 3 with 0.5N sulfuric acid and NaCl (0.30 g) was added. The polymer was then extracted in to dichloromethane (3×50 mL), the extracts were combined and dried over Na2SO4 before being filtered and evaporated to dryness. The polymer was then washed with diethyl ether and dried under vacuum at room temperature. 1H NMR spectra shows appearance of the maleimide resonances at ˜5.9-6.4 and ˜6.7 ppm.


Conversion of Amine End Group of PolyPEG to Maleimide Group

Amine terminated poly(MPEG(550)MA) [Mn 3200](1.0 g, 3.13×10−4 mol), saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (5 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask and cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under an inert atmosphere. To this solution N-methoxycarbonylmaleimide (0.20 g, 1.29×10−3 mol) was added with vigorous stirring. After ten minutes water (10 mL) was added and the reaction left stirring for a further 45 minutes. The pH was then adjusted to 3 with 0.5N sulfuric acid and NaCl (3.75 g) was added. The polymer was then extracted in to dichloromethane (3×50 mL), the extracts were combined and dried over Na2SO4 before being filtered and evaporated to dryness. The polymer was then washed with diethyl ether and dried under vacuum at room temperature. 1H NMR spectra shows appearance of the maleimide resonances at ˜5.9-6.4 and ˜6.7 ppm.


Conversion of Amine End Group of PolyPEG to Maleimide Group

Amine terminated poly(MPEG(2000)MA) [Mn 24600](5.0 g, 2.03×10−4 mol), saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (15 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask and cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under an inert atmosphere. To this solution N-methoxycarbonylmaleimide (0.13 g, 8.13×10−4 mol) was added with vigorous stirring. After ten minutes water (15 mL) was added and the reaction left stirring for a further 45 minutes. The pH was then adjusted to 3 with 0.5N sulfuric acid and NaCl (7.5 g) was added. The polymer was then extracted in to dichloromethane (4×50 mL), the extracts were combined and dried over Na2SO4 before being filtered and evaporated to dryness. The polymer was then washed with diethyl ether and dried under vacuum at room temperature. 1H NMR spectra shows appearance of the maleimide resonances at ˜5.9-6.4 and ˜6.7 ppm.


Conversion of Amine End Group of PolyPEG to Maleimide Group

Amine terminated poly(MPEG(2000)MA) [Mn 24600 PDi 1.06](15.0 g, 6.1×10−4 mol), saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (45 mL) and a magnetic follower were placed into a three necked round bottom flask and cooled by placing in an ice bath. The system was flushed with nitrogen and placed under an inert atmosphere. To this solution N-methoxycarbonylmaleimide (0.38 g, 2.44×10−3 mol) was added with vigorous stirring. After ten minutes water (15 mL) was added and the reaction left stirring for a further 45 minutes. The pH was then adjusted to 3 with 0.5N sulfuric acid and NaCl (7.5 g) was added. The polymer was then extracted in to dichloromethane (3×50 mL), the extracts were combined and dried over Na2SO4 before being filtered and evaporated to dryness. The polymer was then washed with diethyl ether and dried under vacuum at room temperature before final purification through dialysis and isolation by freeze drying. 1H NMR spectra shows appearance of the maleimide resonances at ˜5.9-6.4 and ˜6.7 ppm.


Coupling of Succinimide Terminated PolyPEG to Benzylamine



embedded image


Two different experiments were carried out, each using a different solvent. Low molecular weight poly(MPEG(395)MA) (Mn=2700 g/mol, PDI=1.12) (1 g, 0.370×10−3 mol) prepared from initiator 7 (i.e. succinimide terminated) and benzylamine (0.40 ml, 3.7×10−3 mol) was dissolved in 10 ml of dry chloroform or distilled water and stirred at room temperature for 20 hours under nitrogen. After reaction, the solvent was removed under vacuum by using a rotary evaporator. The crude was purified by preparative GPC before being precipitated of the polymer in cold Petroleum Ether (40-60° C. Fraction).


Bioconjuction of Succinimide Terminated PolyPEG Polymer

A set of three experiments was carried out, each containing a different ratio polymer/lysozyme. Moreover each set of experiments was left to react for either 4 hours or 20 hours. Low molecular weight poly(MPEG(395)MA) prepared from initiator 7 (i.e. succinimide terminated) (Mn=2700 g/mol, PDI=1.12) (41.6 mg, 15.4×10−3 mol) for a ratio 5/1, (83.2 mg, 30.8×10−3 mol) for a ratio 10/1 and (249.5 mg, 92.4×10−3 mol) for a ratio 30/1 and lysozyme (50 mg, 3.08×10−3 mol) was dissolved in 10 ml of 200 mM phosphate buffer (pH=8) and stirred at 4° C. for 4 hours or 20 hours under nitrogen. The reaction was followed by HPLC in the case of a ratio polymer/lysozyme 30/1. The HPLC system was fitted with a guard column, a BioSep-SEC-S3000 column and a UV detector continuously measuring the relative absorbance of the mobile phase at 215 nm. The system was eluted with 0.1% v/v trifluoroacetic acid solution in water and acetonitrile (69/31 v/v) at a rate of 0.5 mL/min. In each case, the crude was purified in dialysis bag (Spectra/Porl, MWCO=6-8000 g/mol) and analysed by SDS-PAGE (polyacrylamide resolving gel cross-linking: 15%, running buffer: 25 mM TRIS base, 250 mM glycine, 0.1% SDS, pH 8.7).


Reactions of PolyPEG Polymers Prepared from Initiator 12


Conversion of Acetal End Group of PolyPEG to Aldehyde Group

Acetal-terminated polymer (Mn 11000, PDi 1.15, 3.0 g, 0.27 mmol) was dissolved in a 1:1 trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)/H2O solution (100 mL) and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. Most of the acid was removed under reduced pressure and the crude was dissolved in water and purified by dialysis. The aqueous solution was then freeze-dried to give the desired aldehyde terminal polymer (2.8 g, 0.25 mmol, 93%) as an off-white solid. (Mn˜11,000, PDi 1.13)


Conversion of Acetal End Group of PolyPEG to Aldehyde Group

Acetal-terminated polymer (Mn 22,000, PDi 1.09, 3.0 g, 0.14 mmol) was dissolved in a 1:1 trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)/H2O solution (100 mL) and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. Most of the acid was removed under reduced pressure and the crude was dissolved in water and purified by dialysis. The aqueous solution was then freeze-dried to give the desired aldehyde terminal polymer (2.8 g, 1.3 mmol, 93%) as an off-white solid. (Mn˜22,000, PDi 1.09)


Conversion of Acetal End Group of PolyPEG to Aldehyde Group

Acetal-terminated polymer (Mn=32,000, PDi=1.09, 3.0 g, 0.094 mmol) was dissolved in a 1:1 trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)/H2O solution (100 mL) and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. Most of the acid was removed under reduced pressure and the crude was dissolved in water and purified by dialysis. The aqueous solution was then freeze-dried to give the desired aldehyde terminal polymer (2.7 g, 0.084 mmol, 90%) as an off-white solid. (Mn˜32,000, PDi 1.11)


Bioconjugation of Deprotected PolyPEG Polymers Prepared from Initiator 12


Bioconjuction of Aldehyde-Terminated PolyPEG Polymer

Lysozyme (6 mg, 4.2×10−4 mmol) and aldehyde-terminated polymer (Mn˜22,000, PDi 1.09, 110 mg, 0.01 mmol) was dissolved in 5 mL of acetate/acetic acid buffer (pH=5) and 0.15 mL of NaCNBH3 (0.25 mM in water) was added dropwise. The solution was stirred at room temperature and samples were taken at regular intervals. The reaction was monitored by HPLC fitted with a guard column, a bioSep-SEC-S3000 column and an UV detector.


Bioconjuction of Aldehyde-Terminated PolyPEG Polymer

Lysozyme (6 mg, 4.2×10−4 mmol) and aldehyde terminated polymer (Mn˜22,000, PDi 1.09, 110 mg, 0.01 mmol) was dissolved in 5 mL of phosphate buffer (pH=6) and 0.15 mL of NaCNBH3 (0.25 mM solution in water) was added dropwise. The solution was stirred at room temperature and samples were taken at regular intervals. The reaction was monitored by HPLC fitted with a guard column, a bioSep-SEC-S3000 column and an UV detector.


Reactions of PolyPEG Polymers Prepared from Initiator 14


Conversion of BOC End Group of PolyPEG to Amine Group



embedded image


BOC terminated polymer (Mn=6400 g mol−1, 3.2 g, 1.0 mmol) was dissolved in CH2Cl2 (25 mL), trifluoroacetic acid (3.9 mL, 50 mmol) was added via syringe and the resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 h. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the resulting orange-brown oil was dissolved in deionized water and dialyzed. The polymer solution was freeze-dried. Toluene (50 mL) was then added and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. This procedure was repeated three times and the expected amine terminated polymer as the trifluoroacetic acid salt (2.5 g, 0.81 mmol, 81% yield) was obtained as a yellow-orange oil. 1H NMR revealed the complete disappearance of the singlet relative to the Boc group at 1.4 ppm. Mw/Mn (GPC)=1.11


Conversion of Amine End Group of PolyPEG to Malemide Group



embedded image


3-Maleimidepropionyl chloride (13.0 mmol) was dissolved in 100 mL of CH2Cl2, diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA, 2.3 ml, 13.0 mmol) was added via syringe and the solution was cooled to 0° C. A solution of amine terminated polymer as the trifluoracetic acid salt (1.5 g, 0.47 mmol) in 30 mL of CH2Cl2 was added dropwise (ca. 15 min) and the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h, then at room temperature for 2 days. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and 200 mL of water were added to the brown residue. The suspension was centrifugate and purified by dialysis (Millipore, regenerated cellulose, MWCO 1 kDa, filtration area 0.23 m2).


The polymer solution was freeze-dried. Toluene (50 mL) was then added and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. This procedure was repeated three times and the expected malemide terminated polymer was obtained as a pale yellow oil. A conversion of 80% can be calculated by 1H NMR, comparing the integration of the vinylic protons of the maleimide moiety and that of the terminal OCH3 of the PEG side-chains. Mw/Mn (GPC)=1.06.


Reactions of PolyPEG Polymers Prepared from Initiator 15


Conversion of Furan End Group of PolyPEG to malemide Group




embedded image


A solution of polymer prepared from initiator 15 (3.0 g, 0.36 mmol) in toluene (25 mL) was warmed to reflux and the reaction was monitored by 1H NMR analysis on samples taken at regular intervals of time. After 7 h the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give the maleimide terminated polymer as a pale orange oil. Comparison of the integration of the maleimide vinyl signals and the terminal OCH3 of the PEG side-chains confirmed that the maleimide function did not decompose during the deprotection step.


REFERENCES



  • 1. D. M. Haddleton, M. C. Crossman, B. H. Dane, D. J. Duncalf, A. M. Henning, D. Kukulj and A. J. Shooter, Macromolecules, 1999, 32, 2110.

  • 2. R. N. Keller and W. D. Wycoff, Inorg. Synth., 1947, 2, 1.

  • 3. James R. Dudley, Jack T. Thurston, Frederic C. Schaefer, Dagfrid Holm-Hansen, Clarence J. Hull, and Pierrepont Adams, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1951, 73, 2986.


Claims
  • 1. (canceled)
  • 2. A comb polymer having the general formula: A-(D)d-(E)e-(F)f where: A is a moiety capable of covalently binding to a protein, a polypeptide, a fat or a carbohydrate, provided that A is not a hydroxyl group;(D)d is a polymeric unit produced by polymerizing a plurality of monomer molecules selected from one or more olefinically unsaturated monomers by addition polymerization, wherein said monomers are not the monomers used to produce (E)e;(E)e is a polymeric unit comprising an alkoxy polyether, said polymeric unit produced by polymerizing by addition polymerization a plurality of monomer molecules which are linear, branched, or star-shaped, substituted or non-substituted and have an olefinically unsaturated moiety;(F)f, is a polymeric unit produced by polymerizing by addition polymerization a plurality of monomer molecules selected from one or more olefinically unsaturated monomers which are not as defined in E;d and f are each independently an integer between 0 and 500; ande is an integer of 10 to 1000.
  • 3. A comb polymer according to claim 2, wherein (E)e comprises a poly(alkylene) glycol or polytetrahydrofuran.
  • 4. A comb polymer according to claim 2, having an average molecular weight of 2,000 to 80,000.
  • 5. The comb polymer according to claim 2, wherein the monomers which are polymerized to produce each of (D)d, (E)e, and (F)f comprise an olefinically unsaturated group independently selected from acrylate, methacrylate, methylmethacrylate, styrene, methylacrylate and diene.
  • 6. The comb polymer according to claim 2, wherein the poly (alkylene glycol) is poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or poly(propylene glycol).
  • 7. The comb polymer according to claim 2, wherein the moiety capable of binding to the protein, the polypeptide, the nucleic acid, the carbohydrate or the fat comprises succinimidyl succinate, N-hydroxysuccinimide, succinimidyl propionate, succinimidyl butanoate, triazine, vinyl sulfone, propionaldehyde, acetaldehyde, tresylate, benzotriazole carbonate, maleimide, pyridyl sulfide, iodoacetamide or succinimidyl carbonate.
  • 8. A comb polymer according to claim 2, wherein the moiety which is capable of reacting with the protein or the polypeptide comprises:
  • 9. The comb polymer according to claim 2 comprising a fluorescent label.
  • 10. The comb polymer according to claim 9, wherein the fluorescent label is a coumarin.
  • 11. A polymer-biomolecule conjugate produced by a method comprising the step of reacting a protein or a polypeptide with the comb polymer of claim 2, thereby forming the polymer-biomolecule conjugate.
  • 12. The polymer-biomolecule of claim 11, which is biologically-active.
  • 13. A compound according to claim 11, which is a drug.
  • 14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the polymer-biomolecule conjugate of claim 11 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • 15. A comb polymer produced by a method comprising the steps of: (a) providing: (i) a plurality of monomers which are linear, branched or star-shaped, substituted or non-substituted, and have an olefinically unsaturated moiety, the olefinically unsaturated moiety being capable of undergoing addition polymerization, wherein the monomers comprise alkoxy polyethers;(ii) an initiator compound; the initiator compound comprising a homolytically cleavable bond, wherein said initiator compound comprises a moiety which when attached to the comb polymer is capable of binding to a protein, polypeptide, carbohydrate, fat or nucleic acid, wherein said moiety is optionally protected, provided that the initiator compound is not 2-hydroxyethyl-2′-bromopropionate; and(iii) a catalyst capable of catalyzing the polymerisation of the monomer, and(b) causing the catalyst to catalyse, in combination with the initiator, the polymerisation of a plurality of the monomers to produce the comb polymer, and(c) optionally deprotecting the moiety which when attached to the comb polymer is capable of binding to a protein, polypeptide, carbohydrate, fat or nucleic acid.
  • 16. The comb polymer of claim 15, wherein the alkoxy polyether is poly(alkylene glycol) or polytetrahydrofuran.
  • 17. The comb polymer of claim 15, wherein the olefinically unsaturated moiety is acrylate, methacrylate, methylmethacrylate, styrene, methylacrylate, or a diene.
  • 18. The comb polymer of claim 15, wherein the initiator compound is selected from: A-S—C(O)—R, A-S—C(S)—O—R, R—S—C(O)-A, R—S—C(S)—O-A, A-B—X,
  • 19. The comb polymer of claim 18, wherein A is selected from succinimidyl succinate, N-hydroxysuccinimide, succinimidyl propionate, succinimidyl butanoate, triazine, vinyl sulfone, propionaldehyde, acetaldehyde, tresylate, benzotriazole carbonate, maleimide, pyridyl sulfide, iodoacetamide and succinimidyl carbonate.
  • 20. The comb polymer of claim 15, wherein the initiator compound is selected from the group consisting of:
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
GB0314472.2 Jun 2003 GB national
RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/498,525, filed Aug. 3, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/311,922, filed Dec. 19, 2005 (Abandoned), which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/GB2004/002894, which designated the United States and was filed on Jul. 6, 2004, published in English, which is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/GB2004/002608, which designated the United States and was filed on Jun. 18, 2004, published in English. This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 or 365 to Great Britain, Application No. GB0314472.2, filed Jun. 20, 2003. The entire teachings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Continuations (3)
Number Date Country
Parent 11498525 Aug 2006 US
Child 13857513 US
Parent 11311922 Dec 2005 US
Child 11498525 US
Parent PCT/GB2004/002894 Jul 2004 US
Child 11311922 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent PCT/GB2004/002608 Jun 2004 US
Child PCT/GB2004/002894 US