Control of copolypeptide architecture using transition metal initiators for amino acid N-carboxyanhydride polymerization

PMSE 106

Timothy J. Deming, demingt@seas.ucla.edu, Departments of Bioengineering and Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 7523 Boelter Hall, Box 951600, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1600
The controlled synthesis of high molecular weight polypeptides has been a challenging problem for many years. The most promising route to these materials has been the ring-opening polymerization of alpha-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), yet these polymerizations have historically been plagued by numerous side reactions. The use of transition metal complexes for the controlled copolymerization of NCAs will be described. Mechanistic details of these polymerizations as well as practical advantages obtained through use of metal based initiators will be discussed. Examples of the different types of copolypeptide architectures that can be formed using these initiators, and the scope of this synthetic method for construction of structurally and functionally complex polymers will be presented.
 

Polypeptide and Protein Materials
8:00 AM-11:40 AM, Monday, August 20, 2007 Westin Boston Waterfront -- Commonwealth Blrm C, Oral

Division of Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007