Highly efficient synthesis of monodisperse poly(ethylene glycols) and derivatives through macrocyclization of oligo(ethylene glycols).

A macrocyclic sulfate (MCS)-based approach to monodisperse poly(ethylene glycols) (M-PEGs) and their monofunctionalized derivatives has been developed. Macrocyclization of oligo(ethylene glycols) (OEGs) provides MCS (up to a 62-membered macrocycle) as versatile precursors for a range of monofunctionalized M-PEGs. Through iterative nucleophilic ring-opening reactions of MCS without performing group protection and activation, a series of M-PEGs, including the unprecedented 64-mer (2850 Da), can be readily prepared. Synthetic simplicity coupled with versatility of this new strategy may pave the way for broader applications of M-PEGs.