Topology effects on the LCST of end-capped poly(ethylene glycol)s

Poly(ethylene glycol) end-capped with pentafluorophenyl group(s) in ABA (FP-PEG-FP) and AB (mPEG-FP) types were prepared. Even though they were similar in composition, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of FP-PEG-FP was observed at $23^{\circ}C$ , whereas that of mPEG-FP was observed at $65^{\circ}C$ . To understand the large difference in solution behaviour of the two polymers, UV-VIS spectroscopy, microcalorimetry, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering were used. FP-PEG-FP has two hydrophobic pentafluorophenyl groups at the ends of hydrophilic PEG (1000 Daltons), whereas mPEG-PF has a highly dynamic PEG (550 Daltons) block that are anchored to a hydrophobic pentafluorophenyl group. PF-PEG-PF not only has a smaller conformational degree of freedom than mPEG-PF but also can form extensive intermolecular aggregates, therefore, PF-PEG-PF exhibits a significantly lower LCST than mPEG-PF. This paper suggests that topological control is very important in designing a temperature-sensitive polymer.