Controlled polymerization of glycidyl methyl ether initiated by onium salt/triisobutylaluminum and investigation of the polymer LCST

New initiating systems developed for monomer activated anionic polymerization of propylene oxide, i.e. onium salt/triisobutylaluminum, were applied to the polymerization of glycidyl methyl ether. At low to medium temperature they yield fast polymerization and allow the synthesis of poly(glycidyl methyl ether) with high molar masses in a controlled way. Poly(glycidyl methyl ether) exhibits a critical solubility temperature (LCST) in water which is influenced by the polymer molar masses. Surprizingly Poly(glycidyl methyl ether)s show also some tendency to crystallize in water at low temperature, which perturb their solubility characteristics and behaviour in water.