Synthesis and Properties of a Superabsorbent Polymer Prepared by Copolymerization of Sodium Acrylate with Sodium 1‐(Acryloyloxy)propan‐2‐yl Phosphate

A novel monomer, 1‐(acryloyloxy)propan‐2‐yl phosphoryl dichloride, was synthesized and characterized in this work. Thereafter, the monomer was neutralized with sodium hydroxide and copolymerized with sodium acrylate to obtain a superabsorbent polymer. The superabsorbent polymer was then modified to improve its swelling properties (i.e., the water absorbency under load, the hydrogel strength, the resilience and the dispersion). Both single factor and orthogonal design experiments were adopted to obtain optimal conditions. The superabsorbent polymer prepared under the optimal conditions showed improved water absorbency in physiological saline [17 g · g^?1 under load (P = 2 × 10³ Pa) and 65 g · g^?1 at atmospheric pressure] and other swelling properties, such as hydrogel strength, resilience and dispersion, also improved.

     

pH‐Responsive PEG‐Poly(β‐amino ester) Block Copolymer Micelles with a Sharp Transition

Summary: A pH‐sensitive block copolymer is synthesized by step polymerization and its pH‐sensitive micellization‐demicellization behavior is studied. This polymer has a hydrophilic MPEG (shell) and hydrophobic but pH‐sensitive poly(β‐amino ester) (core), which can form a self‐assembled micelle. As confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS), this polymer shows a sharp pH‐sensitive micellization‐demicellization behavior. It is confirmed that the pH sensitivity is affected by the molecular weight ratio between the MPEG and poly(β‐amino ester).

Plots of the intensity ratio I₃₃₇/I₃₃₄ (from pyrene excitation spectra): a) vs. pH for copolymer samples and b) vs. log (concentration) for M1.     

Durch Nachbargruppenbeteiligung induzierte (1,2)-Chlorwasserstoff-Eliminierung aus ionisiertem 2-(β-Chloräthyl)- benzoesäuremethylester

By using deuterium labelled compounds and collisional activation spectra the mechanism of the unusually intensive HCl elimination from 2-(β-chloroalkyl)benzoic acid methyl ester as well as the structure of the product ion have been elucidated. It can be shown that the structure of the stable ion (lifetime τ～10?5 s) is best represented by 2-vinyl benzoic acid methyl ester whereas the reactive ion (lifetime τ<10^?6 s) at least partially rearranges to a cyclic ion. The hydrogen chloride elimination from 2-(β-chloroalkyl)benzoic acid is apparently a simple 1,2 process. A closer examination reveals that the reaction represents a further example of an unusual neighbouring group participation of the ester function.     

Enzyme‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Unsubstituted β‐Lactam

The synthesis of poly(β‐alanine) by Candida antarctica lipase B immobilized as novozyme 435 catalyzed ring‐opening of 2‐azetidinone is reported. After removal of cyclic side products and low molecular weight species pure linear poly(β‐alanine) is obtained. The formation of the polymer is confirmed with ¹H NMR spectroscopy and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The average degree of polymerization of the obtained polymer is limited to = 8 by its solubility in the reaction medium. Control experiments with β‐alanine as a substrate confirmed that the ring structure of the 2‐azetidinone is necessary to obtain the polymer.

     

Iodine catalyzed synthesis of α,α'‐bis(substituted benzylidene)‐1‐carbethoxy‐4‐piperidone

A facile and efficient method for the preparation of α,α′‐bis(substituted benzylidene)‐1‐carbethoxy‐4‐piperidone is described using iodine as a catalyst in acetonitrile. The reaction proceeds rapidly at room temperature, giving high yields of products.     

γ-Radiation-produced supported metal complex catalysts. 3. Phosphinated polypropylene supports

p-Styryldiphenylphosphine was grafted onto polypropylene by γ-radiation. However, olefinic phosphines in general do not readily undergo such grafting. Among the many other olefinic phosphines examined only 1-(4-diphenylphosphinophenyl)-prop-1-ene and vinyldiphenylphosphine were grafted successfully and both had low grafting yields. The optimum conditions for grafting involve low dose rates and high total doses of γ-radiation in dimethylsulfoxide as solvent. This grafting is sensitive to impurities and inhomogeneity in the product readily results, especially at high grafting yields. Oxygen must be rigorously excluded if oxidation of grafted phosphorus(III) to phosphorus (V) is to be avoided. Phosphine oxides can be reduced to phosphines when grafted to the polymer with trichlorosilane. Mass spectrometry has shown that more than one olefinic phosphine binds to a single site in the polymer. Solid-state, high-resolution ³¹P-NMR is a valuable technique for characterizing the grafted polymer. The preparation and characterization of the following hitherto unreported phosphines is described: In addition, the precursor halides none of which has been reported, were prepared and characterized.     

Preparation of Highly Transparent and Thermally Stable Films of α‐Cyclodextrin/Polymer Inclusion Complexes

Films of an α‐cyclodextrin/poly(ε‐caprolactone) inclusion complex have been successfully prepared and show high transparency and heat resistance in comparison to the pure polymer film. The physical properties, such as transparency, mechanical properties, and thermal stability, of the α‐CD‐PCL‐IC films are found to depend on the α‐cyclodextrin‐to‐polymer stoichiometry.

     

Poly(divinylsiloxyethylene glycol) — synthesis and photoresist characteristics

Poly(siloxyethylene glycol)

1 The term “poly(siloxyethylene glycol)” was used by us in our previous paper¹⁰ for the following polymer skeleton:

with pendant vinyl groups (PVSE) was synthesized by polycondensation of oligo(ethylene glycol) (MW = 300) and diaminodivinylsilane. PVSE300 thus obtained is soluble in cold water. The PVSE300 coupled with a polythiol compound shows properties of a negative working photoresist. A negative tone image was obtained by development with water at 4°C. PVSE300 is a new type of Si-containing polymer resist which can be developed by water.     

Nickel(II) α‐Diimine Catalyst for Grignard Metathesis (GRIM) Polymerization

A nickel α‐diimine catalyst was used for Grignard metathesis (GRIM) polymerization of 2,5‐dibromo 3‐hexylthiophene and 2‐bromo‐5‐iodo‐3‐hexylthiophene monomers. GRIM polymerization of 2‐bromo‐5‐iodo‐3‐hexylthiophene generated regioregular polymers with molecular weights ranging from 3 000 to 12 000 g · mol⁻¹. The nickel α‐diimine catalyst was also successfully used for the GRIM polymerization of a bulky benzodithiophene monomer.

     

Linear High Molecular Weight Ladder Polymer via Fast Polycondensation of 5,5′,6,6′‐Tetrahydroxy‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethylspirobisindane with 1,4‐Dicyanotetrafluorobenzene

A high molecular weight ladder polymer based on 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrahydroxy‐3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethylspirobisindane and 1,4‐dicyanotetraflurobenzene has been synthesized by polycondensation under high‐intensity mixing conditions at about 155 °C and cyclic‐free products were obtained in high yield with low molecular weight distribution (1.7–2.3). The reaction could be completed within a few minutes. The polymer properties were characterized by GPC, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, F NMR, FT‐IR, and MALDI‐TOF MS. In addition, the mechanical properties, apparent surface areas and gas permeability are also reported. This procedure can also be used for the synthesis of other ladder polymers by irreversible polycondensations of tetraphenols with activated tetrafluoro aromatics.

     

Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers by (α‐diimine)NiII/Methylaluminoxane Catalysts

Polymerizations of vinyl ethers are carried out with (α‐diimine)nickel(II ) catalysts in the presence of methylaluminoxane. Effects of structural variations of the ligand on the activities of catalysts and polymer microstructure are described. The catalysts prepared by changing the bulkiness of ligand substituents in the ortho aryl position result in no specific trends terms of the yield and molecular weight of polymer. Poly(vinyl ether)s are atactic regardless of the structure of the catalyst used.

     

A Water‐Soluble π‐Conjugated Polymer with up to 100 mg · mL−1 Solubility

A cationic water‐soluble polyfluorene (P2) containing a high density of tetraalkylammonium side chains in polymer backbone was synthesized and characterized. The polymer shows excellent water solubility up to 100 mg · mL⁻¹ as well as high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of 44% in water. The relatively high cationic density and appropriate side chain length of the polymer are the key factors to achieve such high water solubility. The reduction potential of P2 is decreased as compared with its neutral polymer, reflecting the enhanced electron injection abilities. The standard NPB/Alq₃ device using such a polymer as the electron injection layer shows nearly three‐fold enhancement in the electroluminescence (EL) efficiency.

     

Synthesis and polymerization of cyano-substituted monomers derived from 4-amino-α-methyl-β,β′-dicyanostyrene

A novel class of polymer precursors of the general formula, where A is an aromatic structure bearing amide or imide linkages, were synthesized. More particularly, 4-aminoacetophenone was condensed with malononitrile to afford 4-amino-α-methyl-β,β′-dicyanostyrene ( 1 ). The condensation of the latter with half molar amount of terephthaloyl dichloride, pyromellitic dianhydride, or benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride yielded the polymer precursors. In addition, compound 1 was condensed with an equimolar amount of maleic anhydride to afford the corresponding maleimide. The monomers were characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, and DTA. Crosslinked resins were obtained upon curing the monomers at 300°C for 72 h. They were stable up to 381-422°C in N₂ or air and afforded anaerobic char yields of 64-68% at 800°C. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Heat-resistant resins obtained from polymer precursors bearing β,β′-dicyanovinyl terminal groups

Certain polymer precursors of the general formula: where A is an aromatic structure bearing ester, amide, azomethine, or imide linkages were synthesized. Particularly, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde was condensed with malonitrile to afford 4-hydroxy-β,β′-dicyanostyrene which reacted with a half molar amount of terephthaloyl dichloride in the presence of an acid acceptor. In addition, 3-nitrobenzaldehyde was condensed with malonitrile to yield 3-nitro-β,β′-dicyanostyrene that was catalytically hydrogenated to the corresponding amine. The latter reacted with a half molar amount of terephthaloyl dichloride, terephthaldehyde, pyromellitic dianhydride, or benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride. The polymer precursors were characterized by elemental analyses as well as IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Their curing behavior was investigated by DTA. Crosslinked polymers were obtained by curing the monomers at 300°C for 24 h. They were stable up to 407–437°C in N₂ and afforded an anaerobic char yield of 65–50% at 800°C. The thermal stability of resins was correlated with their chemical structures. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Azide/Alkyne‐“Click”‐Reactions of Encapsulated Reagents: Toward Self‐Healing Materials

The successful encapsulation of reactive components for the azide/alkyne‐“click”‐reaction is reported featuring for the first time the use of a liquid polymer as reactive component. A liquid, azido‐telechelic three‐arm star poly(isobutylene) ( = 3900 g · mol⁻¹) as well as trivalent alkynes were encapsulated into micron‐sized capsules and embedded into a polymer‐matrix (high‐molecular weight poly(isobutylene), = 250 000 g · mol⁻¹). Using (Cu^IBr(PPh₃)₃) as catalyst for the azide/alkyne‐“click”‐reaction, crosslinking of the two components at 40 °C is observed within 380 min and as fast as 10 min at 80 °C. Significant recovery of the tensile storage modulus was observed in a material containing 10 wt.‐% and accordingly 5 wt.‐% capsules including the reactive components within 5 d at room temperature, thus proving a new concept for materials with self‐healing properties.

     

Chemistry of trifluorostyrenes and their dimers: 2. Synthesis of substituted α, β, β-trifluorostyrenes and α, β, β-trifluoroethenylnaphthalenes. Hammett correlations of their NMR parameters and the concept of “distorted π-electron clouds”

Six α, β, β-trifluorostyrenes with the following substituents, viz., p-MeO, p-Me, m-Me, p-Cl, m-Cl, and m-CF₃, were synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding Grignard reagents with tetrafluoroethylene in tetrahydrofuran. Similarly, α-and β-trifluoroethenylnaphthalenes were prepared. The substituent electronic effects on the ¹⁹F-NMR parameters were investigated for the trifluorostyrenes (I). Linear correlations between the Hammett σ constants and the following ¹⁹F-NMR parameters were established, namely, chemical shifts δ. (F¹) and δ (F²), coupling constants J₁₂, differences of chemical shifts Δδ_3-1 (δ (F³)—δ(f¹) or Δδ_3-2. The results are consistent with previous expectations based on the simple concept of “distorted π-electron clouds”. Facts are presented which indicate that the Δδ_3-1 (or Δδ_3-2) values may serve as empirical measures of the degree of polarization of the π bonds of these fluoroolefins.     

Studies on Radical Cations I. Molecular and electronic structure of [3]radialene cation produced by γ-irradiation in condensed phase

γ-Irradiation of tris (methylidene)-cyclopropane (‘[3]radialene’) 1 in a rigid electron scavenging matrix (butylchoride/i-pentane, 1:1) at 77 K leads to formation of its molecular cation 1 ⁺. Slight softening of the matrix by a temperature increase of 3–5 K results in formation of a newly absorbing species, tentatively assigned arising from structrral relaxation of 1 ⁺ by π-bond rotation:      

Synthesis of 1‐substituted 3,5‐diaryl‐2‐pyrazolines by the reaction of α,β‐unsaturated ketones with hydrazines

1‐Acetyl‐, 1‐propionyl‐ and 1‐phenyl‐3,5‐diaryl‐2‐pyrazolines have been synthesized by the reaction of the appropriate α,β‐unsaturated ketones with hydrazine or phenylhydrazine in hot acetic acid or propionic acid. Structures of all new 2‐pyrazolines 16‐40 have been elucidated by microanalyses, ¹H and ¹³C nmr spectroscopies.     

Structure of the tetramer of α-methylstyrene

The structure of the tetrameric dianion formed by α-methylstyrene in tetrahydrofuran by reaction with sodium has been examined. Mass spectral, NMR, infrared, and kinetic data all indicate that the structure is rather than the structure which had previously been assumed for this species.