Synthesis of bis(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine)-terminated telechelic polymers by RAFT polymerization and ruthenium–polymer complexation thereof

Well-defined polystyrenes and poly(n-butyl acrylate)s of the two ends being functionalized with terpyridine groups were synthesized via addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using a symmetric bisterpyridine-functionalized trithiocarbonate as a chain transfer agent (CTA). Kinetic studies on RAFT mediated thermal polymerization of styrene indicated the controlled polymerization. Corresponding triblock copolymers of styrene and n-butyl acrylate were obtained by utilizing the bisterpyridine-functionalized homopolymers as the macro-CTAs. Supramolecular metallo-polystyrenes with different repeat blocks were prepared by the chelating interaction between the terpyridine ends and Ru(II) ions. The formation of the metallo-polymers was proven by UV–vis spectra and dynamic light scattering (DLS).