High-throughput RAFT Polymerization via Automated Batch, Increment, and Continuous Flow Platforms

ChemRxiv

We report an automated strategy to conduct RAFT copolymerizations using a Chemspeed robotic platform capable of executing batch, incremental, and continuous monomer addition workflows under inert conditions. Copolymerizations of oligo(ethylene glycol) acrylate with benzyl acrylate (as a control) and fluorescein o-acrylate were conducted in toluene, THF, and DMF, with reaction progress monitored via ¹H NMR spectroscopy at defined intervals. Solvent effects on comonomer solubility and reaction reproducibility were systematically evaluated, revealing that DMF offered the most consistent performance due to its high boiling point and enhanced solubility for both monomers, resulting in improved feed control and kinetic stability. Continuous flow reactions were further studied across multiple feed rates (0.3-1.0 mL/hr), illustrating tunable composition and potentially scalable synthesis of fluorescent copolymers. This automated workflow provides a robust platform for reproducible kinetic profiling, copolymer design, compositional control, and material property profiling, enabling high-throughput polymerization strategies with minimal manual intervention.

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High-throughput RAFT Polymerization via Automated Batch, Increment, and Continuous Flow Platforms

Sophia Beilharz 1, Juan Manuel Urueña 2, Zachary Nett 2, Morgan W. Bates 2, Logan Hughes 2, Konpal Raheja 1, Metin Karayilan 1

1) Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
2) NSF BioPACIFIC MIP, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA

DOI: https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68234588927d1c2e6684f961

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