Ammonium-mediated polymerization of amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides: Kinetic investigations

PMSE 107

Helmut Schlaad, schlaad@mpikg.mpg.de and Matthias Meyer. Colloid Chemistry, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
The ammonium-mediated polymerization of amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCA) is a convenient method for preparing well-defined polypeptide materials. The polymerization proceeds via free amine chain ends and is pseudo first-order with respect to monomer. The rate of polymerization is vastly determined by the position of the ammonium–amine equilibrium, thus it is higher the more polar is the medium, the softer is the counterion, and the higher is the reaction temperature.
 

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