Synthesis of a novel fullerene end-capped poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate)

Fullerene polymers have attracted much attention during the past decade. To explore the synthesis of fullerene polypeptides, a fullerene-γ-benzyl L-glutamate conjugate containing a free amino group was used as an initiator, polymerization of γ-benzyl L-glutamate N-carboxy-anhydride was performed for the first time via ring-opening polymerization, leading to the formation of a novel fullerene end-capped poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) with a yield of 37.2%. The product was characterized by ¹H NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis, MALDI-TOF MS and thermogravimetric analysis. Compared with previously reported method, this route avoids the utilization of azides and affords the products with relatively identical structures, highlighting its potential application in fullerene polypeptide synthesis.