Organoboron star polymers via arm-first RAFT polymerization: synthesis, luminescent behavior, and aqueous self-assembly

The first examples of organoboron star polymers were prepared by arm-first RAFT polymerization using a novel luminescent organoboron crosslinker in combination with PS, PNIPAM, P4VP, and PNIPAM-b-PS as linear polymer precursors. Well-defined star architectures with a luminescent core were successfully obtained as confirmed by GPC-MALLS, NMR, DLS, and TEM analysis. The PNIPAM-b-PS stars are amphiphilic and undergo self-assembly in water with formation of super-aggregates that exhibit strong green fluorescence. The P4VP stars lend themselves to further functionalization at the periphery.