Homogeneous phase polymerization of vinylidene fluoride in supercritical carbon dioxide

For the first time, stabilizer‐free vinylidene fluoride (VDF) homopolymerizations were carried out in homogenous phase with supercritical CO₂ using the conventional initiator di‐tert butyl peroxide (DTBP). In‐line FT‐NIR spectroscopy showed that complete monomer conversion may be obtained. Molecular weights were determined via size‐exclusion chromatography and polymer endgroup analysis by ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy. The number average molecular weights were below 10⁴ g mol^?1 and polydispersities ranged from 3.1 to 5.7 depending on DTBP and VDF concentration. For allowing isothermal reaction, high CO₂ contents ranging from 61 to 83 wt % were used. The high‐temperature and high‐pressure conditions required for homogeneous polymerization did not alter the amount of defects in VDF chaining. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that regular stack‐type particles are obtained upon expansion of the homogeneous polymerization mixture. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5626–5635, 2007     

Solid‐state 1H → 19F/19F → 1H CP/MAS NMR study of poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Solid‐state ¹H → ¹⁹F and ¹⁹F → ¹H cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR spectra have been investigated for a semicrystalline fluoropolymer, namely poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). The ¹H → ¹⁹F CP/MAS spectra can be fitted by five Lorentzian functions, and the amorphous peaks were selectively observed by the DIVAM CP pulse sequences. Solid‐state spin‐lock experiments showed significant differences in T_1ρ^F and T_1ρ^H between the crystalline and amorphous domains, and the effective time constants, T_HF* and T_1ρ*, which were estimated from the ¹H → ¹⁹F CP curves, also clarify the difference in the strengths of dipolar interactions. Heteronuclear dipolar oscillation behaviour is observed in both standard CP and ¹H → ¹⁹F inversion recovery CP (IRCP) experiments. The inverse ¹⁹F → ¹H CP‐MAS and ¹H → ¹⁹F CP‐drain MAS experiments gave complementary information to the standard ¹H → ¹⁹F CP/MAS spectra in a manner reported in our previous papers for other fluoropolymers. The value of N_F/N_H (where N is a spin density) estimated from the CP‐drain curve is within experimental error equal to unity, which is consistent with the chemical structure. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Complete 1H and 13C NMR assignments of two phytosterols from roots of Piper nigrum

Using modern NMR techniques, including DQF-COSY, NOESY, HETCOR and HMBC, the full assignments of all 1H and 13C chemical shifts were made for stigmastane-3,6-dione and stigmast-4-ene-3,6-dione, isolated from the roots of Piper nigrum (Piperaceae). Their stereochemistry was resolved by a combination of 2D NOESY data and analysis of coupling constants. The two compounds were isolated from the genus Piper for the first time.     

The first automated 470.59 MHz 19F NMR‐controlled titration: dissociation constants and ion‐specific chemical shifts of 2‐amino‐4‐fluoro 2‐methylpent‐4‐enoic acid

2‐Amino‐4‐fluoro‐2‐methylpent‐4‐enoic acid, obtained as a 1 : 1 salt with trifluoro‐acetic acid, was characterized by ¹H and ¹⁹F high‐resolution NMR spectroscopy. High‐precision potentiometry led to the dissociation constants pK = 1.879 and pK = 9.054. The first automated 470.59 MHz ¹⁹F NMR‐controlled titration yielded the dynamic chemical shift 〈δ_F〉 as a function of pcH or τ and the ion‐specific chemical shifts: δ_F(H₂L⁺) = ?94.81 ppm, δ_F(HL) = ?94.21 ppm, δ_F(L^?) = ?92.45 ppm. The deprotonation gradients were found to be Δ₁ = ?0.60 ppm and Δ₂ = ?1.76 ppm. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Complete assignment of the 1H, 13C, 15N and 19F NMR spectra of nine DL-phenylalcoholamide anticonvulsants

The 1H, 13C, 15N and 19F NMR spectra of nine DL-phenylalcoholamides bearing fluorine and chlorine as substituents of the phenyl ring are reported. All of them are active as anticonvulsants in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures.