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DOE OSTI · 1129165

Poly(ethylene oxide) functionalization

Pratt, Russell Clayton
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Abstract

A simple procedure is provided by which the hydroxyl termini of poly(ethylene oxide) can be appended with functional groups to a useful extent by reaction and precipitation. The polymer is dissolved in warmed toluene, treated with an excess of organic base and somewhat less of an excess of a reactive acylating reagent, reacted for several hours, then precipitated in isopropanol so that the product can be isolated as a solid, and salt byproducts are washed away. This procedure enables functionalization of the polymer while not requiring laborious purification steps such as solvent-solvent extraction or dialysis to remove undesirable side products.

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Pratt, Russell Clayton. 2014-04-08. Poly(ethylene oxide) functionalization. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1129165

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