title: P123
text: # P123
  
  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.
  
  The nominal chemical formula of P123 is $HO(CH_2CH_2O)_{20}(CH_2CH(CH_3)O)_{70}(CH_2CH_2O)_{20}H,$ 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
  
  ## Uses
  
  P123 has been used in the synthesis of mesoporous materials including FDU-14. Dissolved P-123 forms micelles that are used as the backbone to make structured mesoporous materials such as SBA-15.
  
  