Pluronic P123 is a symmetric triblock copolymer comprising poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) in an alternating linear fashion, PEO-PPO-PEO. The unique characteristic of PPO block, which is hydrophobic at temperatures above 288 K and is soluble in water at temperatures below 288 K, leads to the formation of micelle consisting of PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers. Some studies report that the hydrophobic core contains PPO block, and a hydrophilic corona consists of PEO block. In 30wt% aqueous solution Pluronic P123 forms a cubic gel phase.

P123
Names
IUPAC name
Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)
Other names
PEG-PPG-PEG, Pluronic P-123
Identifiers
UNII
Properties
HO(CH2CH2O)20(CH2CH(CH3)O)70(CH2CH2O)20H
Molar mass ~5800 g/mol
Appearance powder
Density 1.018 g/mL at 25 °C
Melting point -24,99 °C at 1.013 hPa
Boiling point > 149 °C
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

The nominal chemical formula of P123 is HO(CH2CH2O)20(CH2CH(CH3)O)70(CH2CH2O)20H, which corresponds to a molecular weight of around 5800 g/mol. Triblock copolymers based on PEO-PPO-PEO chains are known generically as poloxamer.

Poloxamers have behaviors similar to those of hydrocarbon surfactants, and will form micelles when placed in a selective solvent such as water. They can form both spherical and cylindrical micelles [1]

Uses edit

P123 has been used in the synthesis of mesoporous materials including FDU-14.[2] Dissolved P-123 forms micelles that are used as the backbone to make structured mesoporous materials such as SBA-15.

References edit

  1. ^ Wanka, G; Hoffmann, H; Ulbricht, W (1994). "Phase-Diagrams and Aggregation Behavior of Poly(Oxyethylene)-Poly(Oxypropylene)-Poly(Oxyethylene) Triblock Copolymers in Aqueous-Solutions". Macromolecules. 27 (15): 4145–4159. Bibcode:1994MaMol..27.4145W. doi:10.1021/ma00093a016.
  2. ^ Wan, Y; Zhao, D (2007). "On the Controllable Soft-Templating Approach to Mesoporous Silicates". Chem. Rev. 107 (7): 2821–2860. doi:10.1021/cr068020s.