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327-2145-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC D-CHAB , D-MATL
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Advanced Polymer Synthesis

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Tae Lim Choi
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:33

Abstract

Modern polymer synthesis (beased on recent development of new orgnic reactions) is discussed to enable students to develop synthesis schemes for certain target structures. Both chain (ionic, coordination, ROMP, radical, catalyst-transfer) and step-growth polymerizations (transition metal catalysis) including how to achieve living polymerization or improve selectivity will be discused.

Objective

Students should be able to: Identify important polymerization procedures and types of polymerization. Predict eactivities of monomers based on the chemical structures Devise synthetic pathways to produce a given polymer structure. Evaluate properties of macromolecules based on structure and synthesis method. Develop synthesis schemes for target structures and discuss potential applications of polymers.

Content

Polymerization is series of continous organic transformation and connects small molecules. The course will give an overview of the following important polymerization procedures: - Mordern Step-growth polymerization - Living Anionic polymerization - Group transfer polymerization (GTP) - Controlled cationic polymerization - Controlled radical polymerization - Coordination polymerization: Ziegler-Natta and Metallocene catalysts - Olefin metathesis polymerization: ROMP, ADMET and cyclopolymerization - Synthesis of conjugated polymers based on transition metal catalysis - Complex macromolecues inlcuding brush and dendronized polymers Students will learn how to deal with chemical structures and reactivities, and be able to suggest reasonable synthetic pathways to a given polymer structure, like conjugated polymers based on transition metal catalysis or complex macromolecues inlcuding brush and dendronized polymers. Aspects like controlling molar masses and structure perfection play a role throughout. The course provides the students with a high-level overview of modern methods of polymer synthesis both in theoretical and practical aspects. It should enable them to develop reasonable synthesis schemes for certain target structures and also to predict the properties of given macromolecules. For all polymers presented, potential or real applications will be discussed.

Resources

Lecture Notes

They will be uploaded on Moodle

Literature

Lecture notes will be given

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 100 minutes
Aids
None
The final mark for the course is the weighted average of the marks for the end-of-semester examination (70%) and for the assignment on literature (30%) that includes reports and an oral presentation.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Advanced Polymer Synthesis
  • Wed 09:45-12:30 (HCI H 8.1)
3 h weekly

Offered In