Synthesis of Thermoresponsive Glycopolymers Combining RAFT Polymerization, Thiol‐Ene Reaction, and Subsequent Immobilization onto Solid Supports

A new monomer, N ‐hexenylacrylamide, is copolymerized with N ‐isopropylacrylamide by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using a carboxylic‐acid‐functionalized RAFT agent. Subsequently, the resulting functional copolymers are reacted with acetylated thiogalactose via a thiol‐ene reaction. After deprotection of the sugar acetyl groups, the glycopolymers show a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior, as confirmed by turbidity measurements. One of these glycopolymers is subsequently immobilized onto solid supports. The obtained products are characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform IR (ATR FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimmetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis, confirming the immobilization of the glycopolymer. Additionally, the glycopolymer‐functionalized support shows interaction with the lectin RCA 120 . image