α,ω-heterotelechelic poly(ε-caprolactone)s via ring-opening/chain-transfer polymerization and their utility as precursors to AB and ABC block copolymers

A new strategy for the synthesis of α, ω-functionalized heterotelechelic PCL by a repetitive ring-opening/chain-transfer protocol using a readily available and inexpensive catalyst is described. Use of this strategy can yield functionalized heterotelechelic PCLs capable of initiating the controlled radical polymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate to yield PCL-PS and the as yet undescribed PCL-PS-PMMA ABC triblock copolymer.