Synthesis of β-cyclodextrin-based star polymers via a simplified electrochemically mediated ATRP

Star polymers were synthesized by a simplified electrochemically mediated ATRP (seATRP) of n-butyl acrylate using β-cyclodextrin macroinitiators with 14- and 21-active sites. Polymerizations were well controlled with low concentration of CuIIBr2/2TPMA complex under either potentiostatic or pseudo-galvanostatic conditions. The synthesis of β-CD-PBA-PtBA star shaped block copolymers was successfully carried out with the formed β-CD-PBA star polymers as macroinitiators.343