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Basic Polymer Synthesis
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:59:40
Abstract
The course covers chain-growth polymerizations (anionic, cationic, Ziegler/Natta, ROMP, and radical) including mechanistic details, recent developments, and important examples. Finally, the controlled radical procedures are being treated (NMP, ATRP, RAFT).
Objective
The students should gain an overview of important polymerization procedures, learn how to deal with chemical structures and reactivities, and be able to suggest reasonable synthetic pathways to any given polymer structure. Aspects like achievable molar masses in dependence of the method used and structure perfection play a role throughout.
Content
This course "Basic Polymer Synthesis" consists of two parts. First chain-growth polymerizations, which are anionic, cationic, Ziegler/Natta, ROMP, and radical, are discussed. Methods, mechanistic details, recent developments, and important examples are explained. Then step-growth polymerizations proceeding with CC- and CO- and CN-bond formation are treated. This involves Suzuki, Heck, ADMET, classical polycondensations, and "mild" polycondensations (methods from peptide synthesis, silyl-method, etc.). The course will be taught in English. Complicated expressions will also be given in German. Questions are welcome in English or German. The written examination will be in English, answers in German are acceptable. An organic chemistry knowledge on the Vordiplom or B. Sc. Level is required.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Basic polymer synthesis |
|
3 h weekly |