Solution (source code)

= Solution

Replacing lactide by ethylene oxide gives
$$
\boxed{\mathrm{HO-[CH_2CH_2O]_{50}-CH_2CH(Ph)-[CH_2CH(Ph)]_{100}-O-TEMPO}.}
$$
The first chain grows by alkoxide attack on ethylene oxide, followed by protonation at work-up; the alkoxyamine subsequently controls styrene <polymerization>. The final material is an <amphiphilic block copolymer>. In water, <polystyrene> avoids solvent exposure while the poly(ethylene oxide) block is hydrated. Above a concentration-dependent assembly threshold, \b[<micelles> with a <polystyrene> core and hydrated poly(ethylene oxide) corona] are a reasonable morphology. Unimers remain in equilibrium with aggregates. Core–corona assembly lowers unfavourable water contact but costs chain-stretching and translational <entropy>. Block volume fractions, solvent history and concentration can instead favour cylinders or vesicles, so the chemical structure alone does not uniquely establish spherical <micelles>.