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Synthesis 2004(7): 1007-1010  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-816007
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

An Expedient Synthesis of Monodispersed Oligo(ethylene glycols)

Brendan A. Burkett, Tak Hang Chan*
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the Open Laboratory for Chirotechnology, Institute of Molecular Technology for Drug Discovery and Synthesis, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
Fax: +852(2364)9932; e-Mail: bcchanth@polyu.edu.hk;
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Publication History

Received 9 January 2004
Publication Date:
15 March 2004 (online)

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Abstract

A convenient approach to the synthesis of oligo(ethylene glycols) under phase transfer conditions is described. Oligo(ethylene glycols) (x = 7-12) are obtained in excellent yields and high purity via modular, bi-directional elongation of readily available ethylene glycol bis-tosylates.

Key words

oligo(ethylene glycols) - alkylation - phase transfer catalysis - chain elongation - nucleophilic substitution