Formation of Octameric Methylaluminoxanes by Hydrolysis of Trimethylaluminum and the Mechanisms of Catalyst Activation in Single‐Site α‐Olefin Polymerization Catalysis

Hydrolysis of trimethylaluminum (TMA) leads to the formation of methylaluminoxanes (MAO) of general formula (MeAlO)_n(AlMe₃)_m. The thermodynamically favored pathway of MAO formation is followed up to n=8, showing the major impact of associated TMA on the structural characteristics of the MAOs. The MAOs bind up to five TMA molecules, thereby inducing transition from cages into rings and sheets. Zirconocene catalyst activation studies using model MAO co‐catalysts show the decisive role of the associated TMA in forming the catalytically active sites. Catalyst activation can take place either by Lewis‐acidic abstraction of an alkyl or halide ligand from the precatalyst or by reaction of the precatalyst with an MAO‐derived AlMe₂⁺ cation. Thermodynamics suggest that activation through AlMe₂⁺ transfer is the dominant mechanism because sites that are able to release AlMe₂⁺ are more abundant than Lewis‐acidic sites. The model catalyst system is demonstrated to polymerize ethene.     

A DFT quantum‐chemical study on the structures and active sites of polymethylaluminoxane

The electronic structure and geometry of polymethylaluminoxane (MAO) [—Al(CH₃)O—]_n with different size (n = 4–12) have been studied using quantum‐chemical DFT (density functional theory) calculations. It has been found: 1) Starting from n = 6, the three‐dimensional oxo‐bridged (cage) structure of MAO is more stable than the cyclic structure. 2) Both for cage structure and for cyclic structure the Lewis acidity of Al atoms characterized by their net positive charge amplifies with increasing size of MAO (n). 3) Trimethylaluminium (AlMe₃) reacts with the cage structure of MAO with cleavage of an Al‐O dative bond and formation of acidic tri‐coordinated Al^v and basic di‐coordinated O^v atoms in the MAO molecule. Two molecules AlMe₃ are associated with acidic Al^v and basic O^v centers. As the MAO increases in size, the acidity of Al^v centers amplifies and the distance Al^v‐(AlMe₃) shortens; on the contrary, interaction of AlMe₃ with O^v centers weakens and the distance O^v‐(AlMe₃) increases with increasing n value. The total heat of Al₂Me₆ interaction with MAO (sum interaction of Al^v‐(AlMe₃) and O^v‐(AlMe₃)) noticeably decreases as the size of MAO increases (from 50.9 kcal/mol for n = 4 to 20.2 kcal/mol for n = 12). It is proposed that acidic Al^v and basic O^v centers formed in the cage structure of MAO interact with zirconocene yielding ‘cation‐like’ zirconium active centers.     

Diastereo‐ and Regioselective Addition of Thioamide Dianions to Imines and Aziridines: Synthesis of N‐Thioacyl‐1,2‐diamines and N‐Thioacyl‐1,3‐diamines

Addition reactions of thioamide dianions that were derived from N‐arylmethyl thioamides to imines and aziridines were carried out. The reactions of imines gave the addition products of N‐thioacyl‐1,2‐diamines in a highly diastereoselective manner in good‐to‐excellent yields. The diastereomeric purity of these N‐thioacyl‐1,2‐diamines could be enriched by simple recrystallization. The reduction of N‐thioacyl‐1,2‐diamines with LiAlH₄ gave their corresponding 1,2‐diamines in moderate‐to‐good yields with retention of their stereochemistry. The oxidative‐desulfurization/cyclization of an N‐thioacyl‐1,2‐diamine in CuCl₂/O₂ and I₂/pyridine systems gave the cyclized product in moderate yield and the trans isomer was obtained as the sole product. On the other hand, a similar cyclization reaction with antiformin (aq. NaClO) as an oxidant gave the cis isomer as the major product. The reactions of N‐tosylaziridines gave the addition products of N‐thioacyl‐1,3‐diamines with low diastereoselectivity but high regioselectivity and in good‐to‐excellent yields. The use of AlMe₃ as an additive improved the efficiency and regioselectivity of the reaction. The stereochemistry of the obtained products was determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

A DFT Quantum‐Chemical Study of Ion‐Pair Formation for the Catalyst Cp2ZrMe2 /MAO

A process of ion‐pair formation in the system Cp₂ZrMe₂/methylaluminoxane (MAO) has been studied by means of density functional theory quantum‐chemical calculations for MAOs with different structures and reactive sites. An interaction of Cp₂ZrMe₂ with a MAO of the composition (AlMeO)₆ results in the formation of a stable molecular complex of the type Al₅Me₆O₅Al(Me)O–Zr(Me)Cp₂ with an equilibrium distance r(Zr–O) of 2.15 Å. The interaction of Cp₂ZrMe₂ with “true” MAO of the composition (Al₈Me₁₂O₆) proceeds with a tri‐coordinated aluminum atom in the active site (OAlMe₂) and yields the strongly polarized molecular complex or the μ‐Me‐bridged contact ion pair ( d ) [Cp₂(Me)Zr(μMe)Al≡MAO] with the distances r(Zr–μMe) = 2.38 Å and r(Al–μMe) = 2.28 Å. The following interaction of the μ‐Me contact ion pair ( d ) with AlMe₃ results in a formation of the trimethylaluminum (TMA)‐separated ion pair ( e ) [Cp₂Zr(μMe)₂AlMe₂]⁺–[MeMAO]^– with r[Zr–(MeMAO)] equal to 4.58 Å. The calculated composition and structure of ion pairs ( d ) and ( e ) are consistent with the ¹³C NMR data for the species detected in the Cp₂ZrMe₂/MAO system. An interaction of the TMA‐separated ion pair ( e ) with ethylene results in the substitution of AlMe₃ by C₂H₄ in a cationic part of the ion pair ( e ), and the following ethylene insertion into the Zr–Me bond. This reaction leads to formation of ion pair ( f ) of the composition [Cp₂ZrCH₂CH₂CH₃]⁺–[Me‐MAO]^– named as the propyl‐separated ion pair. Ion pair ( f ) exhibits distance r[Zr–(MeMAO)] = 3.88 Å and strong C_γ‐agostic interaction of the propyl group with the Zr atom. We suppose this propyl‐separated ion pair ( f ) to be an active center for olefin polymerization.     

Heterobi‐ and ‐trimetallic Ion Pairs of Zirconocene‐Based Isoselective Olefin Polymerization Catalysts with AlMe3

The reactivity towards AlMe₃ of discrete cationic ansa‐zirconocenes 2 a,b that are ubiquitously used in isoselective propylene polymerization and based on [{Ph(H)C(3,6‐tBu₂‐Flu)(3‐tBu‐5‐Et‐Cp)}ZrMe₂)] {Cp‐Flu} and rac‐[{Me₂Si‐(2‐Me‐4‐Ph‐Ind)₂}ZrMe₂] {SBI} was scrutinized. The first example of a structurally characterized Group 4 metallocene AlMe₃ adduct ( 3 b ) is reported. In the presence of excess AlMe₃, the {SBI}‐based AlMe₃ adduct 3 b undergoes a slow decomposition via C? H activation in a bridging methyl unit to yield a new species ( 4 b ) with a trimetallic {Zr(μ‐CH₂)(μ‐Me)AlMe(μ‐Me)AlMe₂} core. EXSY NMR data for the process 2 b ? 3 b → 4 b suggest very rapid and reversible binding of an additional AlMe₃ molecule onto AlMe₃ adduct 3 b . The resulting heterotrimetallic species intermediates exchange of methyl groups between different metal centers and slowly undergoes the C? H activation reaction towards 4 b .     

Normal‐to‐Abnormal NHC Rearrangement of AlIII,GaIII, and InIII Trialkyl Complexes: Scope,Mechanism, Reactivity Studies,and H2 Activation

The present contribution reports experimental and theoretical mechanistic investigations on a normal‐to‐abnormal (C2‐to‐C4‐bonded) NHC rearrangement processes occurring with bulky group 13 metal NHC adducts, including the scope of such a reactivity for Al compounds. The sterically congested adducts (nItBu)MMe₃ (nItBu=1,3‐di‐tert‐butylimidazol‐2‐ylidene; M=Al, Ga, In; 1 a – c ) readily rearrange to quantitatively afford the corresponding C4‐bonded complexes (aItBu)MMe₃ ( 4 a – c ), a reaction that may be promoted by THF. Thorough experimental data and DFT calculations were performed on the nNHC‐to‐aNHC process converting the Al‐nNHC ( 1 a ) to its aNHC analogue 4 a . A nItBu/aItBu isomerization is proposed to account for the formation of the thermodynamic product 4 a through reaction of transient aItBu with THF–AlMe₃. The reaction of benzophenone with (nItBu)AlMe₃ afforded the zwitterionic species (aItBu)(CPh₂‐O‐AlMe₃) ( 6 ), reflecting the unusual reactivity that such bulky adducts may display. Interestingly, the nItBu/Al(iBu)₃ Lewis pair behaves like a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) since it readily reacts with H₂ under mild conditions. This may open the way to future reactivity developments involving commonly used trialkylaluminum precursors.     

Solution Structure and Reactivity with Metallocenes of AlMe2F: Mimicking Cation–Anion Interactions in Metallocenium–Methylalumoxane Inner‐Sphere Ion Pairs

The solution structure of AlMe₂F and its reactivity with a prototypical ansa‐metallocene have been investigated by advanced NMR techniques, in an attempt to indirectly shed some light on the structure and working principles of methylalumoxane (MAO) mixtures in olefin polymerization. In solution, AlMe₂F gives rise to a complex equilibrium of oligomeric species, including a heterocubane [(Me₂Al)₄F₄] tetramer, resembling the behavior of MAO. This complex mixture reacts with (ETH)ZrMe₂ (ETH=rac ‐[ethylenebis(4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1‐indenyl)]) to afford [(ETH)ZrMe^δ+(μ‐F)(AlMe₂F)_nAlMe₃^δ−] inner‐sphere ion pairs through successive insertions/deinsertions of AlMe₂F units into the Zr⋅⋅⋅(μ‐F) bond.     

Carbon‐bridged Oligo(phenylenevinylene)s as Light‐harvesting Antenna for Porphyrins

The efficacy of carbon‐bridged oligo(phenylenevinylenes)s (COPVs) as light‐harvesting antenna for porphyrins is demonstrated using a series of 5,15‐di‐COPVn‐substituted free‐base and zinc porphyrins, COPVn‐MP‐COPVn (n=1–3, M=H₂, Zn). These molecules were synthesized by Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions of COPVn‐Bpin and Br‐H₂P‐Br . The absorption spectra of these compounds in solution show a significant expansion of the Soret band region together with a bathochromic shift of the Q band, suggesting a significant interaction between these chromophores in the ground state. The photoluminescence quantum yield of the porphyrin‐COPV conjugates is enhanced up to four times relative to the parent porphyrins. Theoretical calculations also indicated interactions between these chromophores in the HOMO, which suggests that the light‐harvesting ability stems from the expansion of the π‐electron‐conjugation system.     

Polymeric dopant effects of bent‐core covalent‐bonded and hydrogen‐bonded structures on banana‐shaped liquid crystalline complexes

Two series of banana‐shaped liquid crystalline (LC) H‐bonded complexes HP_m / CB_n (i.e., bent‐core H‐bonded side‐chain homopolymer HP mixed with bent‐core covalent‐bonded small molecule CB ) and CP_m / HB_n (i.e., bent‐core covalent‐bonded side‐chain homopolymer CP mixed with bent‐core H‐bonded small molecular complex HB ) with various m/n molar ratios were developed. The bent‐core covalent‐ and H‐bonded structural moieties were homopolymerized in the banana‐shaped LC H‐bonded complexes HP_m / CB_n and CP_m / HB_n , respectively. The influences of m/n molar ratios (polymeric moieties vs. small molecular moieties) on the mesomorphic and electro‐optical properties of both banana‐shaped LC H‐bonded complexes HP_m / CB_n and CP_m / HB_n were investigated. The polar smectic phases could be achieved and stabilized by smaller contents of polymeric dopants in banana‐shaped LC H‐bonded complexes, such as HP1/CB10 , HP1/CB15 , CP1/HB10 , and CP1/HB15 , which possessed tunable spontaneous polarization (Ps) values according to the molar ratios of m/n , that is, lower Ps values obtained in H‐bonded complexes HP_m /CB_n and CP_m / HB_n with higher ratios of H‐bonded moieties (larger m/n molar ratios), respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 764–774, 2010     

A DFT Quantum‐Chemical Study of the Structure of Precursors and Active Sites of Catalyst Based on 2,6‐Bis(imino)pyridyl Fe(II) Complexes

Summary: A DFT method has been applied for quantum‐chemical calculations of the molecular structure of charge‐neutral complex LFeMe(μMe)₂AlMe₂ which is formed in system LFeMe₂ + AlMe₃ (L = 2,6‐bis(imino)pyridyl). Calculations suggested the formation of highly polarized complex LFeMe(μMe)₂AlMe₂ ( II ) in system LFeMe₂ + AlMe₃, characterized by r(Fe μMe) = 3.70 Å and r(Al μMe) = 2.08 Å and deficient electron density on fragment [LFeMe]^Q (Q = +0.80 e). Polarization of the complex progresses with the bounding of two AlMe₃ molecules (complex LFeMe(μMe)₂AlMe₂ · 2AlMe₃ ( III )) and with replacement of AlMe₃ by MeAlCl₂ (complex LFeMe(μMe)₂AlCl₂ ( IV )). The activation energy of ethylene insertion into the Fe Me bond of these complexes has been calculated. It was found that the heat of π‐complex formation increases with increasing of polarization extent in the order II < III < IV . Activation energy of the insertion of coordinated ethylene into Fe Me bond decreases in the same order: II > III > IV .

Calculated model complex (NH₃)₃FeMe₂; tridentate bis(imino)pyridyl ligand was substituted by three coplanar NH₃ groups.     

The Structural Systematics of Protonation of Some Important Nitrogen‐base Ligands. IV. Some Ethane‐1,2‐diaminium Univalent Anion Salt/1,10‐Phenanthroline (Hydrate) Arrays

Syntheses and single crystal X‐ray structure characterisations are recorded for some novel series of crystalline complexes formed between salts of univalent anions of the ethane‐1,2‐diaminium cation, [enH₂]X₂, and 1,10‐phenanthroline (‘phen’), variously hydrated, thus: [enH₂]X₂·mphen(·nH₂O), for m = 2, 4 and 10 (one example), n various. In all cases, the motifs constituting the arrays comprise columns of [enH₂]²⁺ cations, carrying the protonic array but linked in a second dimension by hydrogen‐bonding to associated anions and water molecules (where present), expanding the column in some cases to form a sheet, different degrees of hydration compensating for changing anion bulk. In a third dimension the protonic hydrogen complement also links to the nitrogenous component of phen stacks which surround the column. Thus, for the m = 2 array, in a triclinic cell, a, b, c broadly 10‐11 (x2), 7Å, α, β, γ 80, 70° (x2), the cation and phen columns lie parallel to c; in the unsolvated trichloroacetate compound, the cation column is associated with anions to either side, these linking into a sheet with water molecules in the more highly hydrated trifluoroacetate (‘tfa’) and nitrate (n = 2), and chloride and bromide (n = 4) arrays (the tfa adduct a superlattice doubled in c). In the m = 4 arrays, an additional phen stack is inserted, forming a sheet with the first in the second dimension for the perchlorate tetrahydrate array, the iodide pentahydrate counterpart being a 2 x c superlattice. A second nitrate salt, m = 10, n = 4, is also described, a complex array of multiple networks of the above type. Single crystal X‐ray structure determinations are also recorded for salts [phenH](PF₆)·phen and [2,9‐Me₂phenH](PF₆). In the phen adduct, the protonic hydrogen atom is closely associated (N···H 0.90(4) Å) with one of the two independent phen moieties, these disposed alternately in a stack up b close to the 2₁ screw axis, so that the hydrogen bridges to the unprotonated moiety (H···N′ 2.36(4) Å) pitched at an angle of 47° to it in the screw‐related stack. In the Me₂phen salt, the phen moieties lie in crystallographic mirror planes, normal to and stacked up b, with the protonic hydrogen atom contacting a PF₆ fluorine atom (H···F 1.96(3) Å). The structure of unsolvated Me₂phen is also recorded.     

Influence of methyl‐modified silyl groups on the properties of polymers and Si/B/N/C ceramics derived from N‐silylated borazine derivatives

Thermal silazane cleavage of dichloroboryldisilylamines (SiCl_mMe_3?m)N(SiMe₃)(BCl₂) (1: m = 1; 2: m = 2) at 196 °C leads to the borazine derivates [(SiCl_mMe_3?m)NB(Cl_nMe_1?n)]₃ (3: m = 1, n = 0.185; 4: m = 2, n = 0.111) characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structure analyses reveal (BN)₃ units with unusual twisted boat conformations in both compounds. Additionally, more detailed studies are done to clear up the function of the by‐products (SiCl_mMe_3?m)N(SiClMe₂)(BClMe) formed during the cyclization step leading to asymmetrically boron substituted borazine derivatives. The single‐source precursors 3 and 4 were cross‐linked with methylamine producing polymers 3P and 4P, which were transformed into black amorphous materials with ceramic yields of 20.8 % and 50.3 %, respectively. Ceramic 4C (Si_1.00B_0.98 N_2.55 C_1.37O_0.05) was further investigated by ¹¹B and ²⁹Si magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. A combined study of high‐temperature TG analyses and X‐ray powder diffraction analyses confirms the thermal stability of 4C up to 1670 °C. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rare‐Earth‐Metal Dialkynyl Dimethyl Aluminates

A new class of rare‐earth‐metal alkynyl complexes has been prepared. The reactions of the tris(tetramethylaluminate)s of lanthanum, praseodymium, samarium, yttrium, holmium, and thulium, [Ln(AlMe₄)₃], with phenylacetylene afforded compounds [Ln{(μ‐C?CPh)₂AlMe₂}₃] (Ln=La ( 1 ), Pr ( 2 ), Sm ( 3 ), Y ( 4 ), Ho ( 5 ), Tm ( 6 )). All of these compounds have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and by elemental analysis. NMR spectroscopic studies of the series of para‐ magnetic compounds [Ln(AlMe₄)₃] and [Ln{(μ‐C?CPh)₂AlMe₂}₃] have also been performed.     

Rare‐Earth‐Metal Methyl,Amide, and Imide Complexes Supported by a Superbulky Scorpionate Ligand

The reaction of monomeric [(Tp^tBu,Me)LuMe₂] (Tp^tBu,Me=tris(3‐Me‐5‐tBu‐pyrazolyl)borate) with primary aliphatic amines H₂NR (R=tBu, Ad=adamantyl) led to lutetium methyl primary amide complexes [(Tp^tBu,Me)LuMe(NHR)], the solid‐state structures of which were determined by XRD analyses. The mixed methyl/tetramethylaluminate compounds [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe({μ₂‐Me}AlMe₃)] (Ln=Y, Ho) reacted selectively and in high yield with H₂NR, according to methane elimination, to afford heterobimetallic complexes: [(Tp^tBu,Me)Ln({μ₂‐Me}AlMe₂)(μ₂‐NR)] (Ln=Y, Ho). X‐ray structure analyses revealed that the monomeric alkylaluminum‐supported imide complexes were isostructural, featuring bridging methyl and imido ligands. Deeper insight into the fluxional behavior in solution was gained by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic studies at variable temperatures and ¹H–⁸⁹Y HSQC NMR spectroscopy. Treatment of [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe(AlMe₄)] with H₂NtBu gave dimethyl compounds [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe₂] as minor side products for the mid‐sized metals yttrium and holmium and in high yield for the smaller lutetium. Preparative‐scale amounts of complexes [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe₂] (Ln=Y, Ho, Lu) were made accessible through aluminate cleavage of [(Tp^tBu,Me)LnMe(AlMe₄)] with N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda). The solid‐state structures of [(Tp^tBu,Me)HoMe(AlMe₄)] and [(Tp^tBu,Me)HoMe₂] were analyzed by XRD.     

Dialkylaluminium‐, ‐Gallium‐, and ‐Indium‐Based Poly‐Lewis Acids with a 1,8‐Diethynylanthracene Backbone

Potential host systems based on a rigid 1,8‐diethynylanthracendiyl backbone were synthesised by treatment of 1,8‐diethynylanthracene with the Group 13 trialkyls AlMe₃, GaMe₃, InMe₃, AlEt₃ and GaEt₃. The resulting products were characterised by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses and determination of their crystal structures by X‐ray diffraction. The compounds are dimeric in the solid state and comprise two M₂C₂ heterocycles. Depending on the steric demand of the alkyl substituents at the metal atom, different types of binding modes were observed, which can be classified to lie between the ideals of side‐on coordination with almost linear primary M? C?C units and the 3c–2e coordination with symmetrically bridging alkynyl units in M‐C‐M bonds. As a solution in THF the dimers are broken into monomers and some are found to undergo ligand scrambling reactions.     

Super‐Elastic Air/Water Interfacial Films Self‐Assembled from Soluble Surfactants

We show that water‐soluble monosodic salts of F‐alkyl phosphates C_nF_2n+1(CH₂)₂OP(O)(OH)₂, with n=8 and 10 (F8H2Phos and F10H2Phos) form Gibbs films with exceptionally high dilational viscoelastic modules E that reach ～900 mN m^?1 in the condensed phases. These E values are up to one order of magnitude larger than those recorded for phospholipid, protein and polymer films commonly considered as highly viscoelastic. F8H2Phos.1Na undergoes a transition between a liquid‐expanded and a liquid‐condensed phase. In the case of F10H2Phos.1Na, a transition occurs between a gas phase of surface domains, in which the molecules are densely packed, and a liquid‐condensed phase.     

Synthesis of hetero‐telechelic polymers by self‐polyaddition of monomers containing both oxetanyl and carboxyl groups

The synthesis and self‐polyaddition of new monomers, o‐, m‐, and p‐[(3‐ethyloxetane‐3‐yl)methoxyethyl]benzoic acid (o‐EOMB, m‐EOMB, and p‐EOMB) containing both oxetanyl groups and carboxyl groups were examined. The reactions of o‐EOMB, m‐EOMB, and p‐EOMB in the presence of tetraphenylphosphonium bromide as a catalyst in o‐dichlorobenzene at 150–170 °C resulted in self‐polyaddition to give the corresponding hetero‐telechelic polymers poly(o‐EOMB), poly(m‐EOMB), and poly(p‐EOMB) with M_ns = 14,500–33,400 in satisfactory yields. The M_n of poly(o‐EOMB) decreased at higher reaction temperatures than 150 °C, unlike those of poly(m‐EOMB) and poly(p‐EOMB), possibly due to inter‐ or intraester exchange side reactions. It was also found that the thermal properties and solubilities of these polymers were supposed with the proposed structures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7835–7842, 2008     

Synthesis of Poly(2‐oxazoline)‐Based Hydrogels with Tailor‐Made Swelling Degrees Capable of Stimuli‐Triggered Compound Release

A 32‐membered library of poly(2‐oxazoline)‐based hydrogels of the composition p EtOx _m‐p PhOx _n‐p PBO _q (m/n = 150/0, 100/50, 50/100, and 0/150; q = 1.5–30) was prepared from 2‐ethyl‐ ( EtOx ), 2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazoline ( PhOx ), and phenylene‐1,3‐bis‐(2‐oxazoline) ( PBO ). The polymerizations were performed from ground monomer mixtures at 140 °C in a single‐mode microwave reactor in reaction times as short as 1 h. Purified hydrogels, containing no residual monomers, were obtained in yields of 95% or higher. Acid‐mediated hydrolysis rates as well as swelling degrees of the hydrogels were adjustable over a broad range; swelling degrees in water/ethanol/dichloromethane ranged from 0 to 13.8/11.7/20.0. The hydrogels could incorporate organic molecules according to in situ or post‐synthetic routines. Post‐synthetic routines enabled for the preparation of hydrogels from which the incorporated compounds were only released through diffusion processes if the solvent was changed or through hydrogel degradation if the pH was lowered.     

Synthesis of star‐shaped polystyrenes via nitroxide‐mediated stable free‐radical polymerization

High molecular weight star‐shaped polystyrenes were prepared via the coupling of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) terminated polystyrene oligomers with divinylbenzene (DVB) in m‐xylene at 138 °C. The optimum ratio of the coupling solvent (m‐xylene) to divinylbenzene was determined to be 9 to 1 based on volume. Linear polystyrene oligomers (M_n = 19,300 g/mol, M_w/M_n = 1.10) were prepared in bulk styrene using benzoyl peroxide in the presence of TEMPO at approximately 130 °C under an inert atmosphere. Coupling of the TEMPO‐terminated oligomers under optimum conditions resulted in a product with a number average molecular weight exceeding 300,000 g/mol (M_w/M_n = 3.03) after 24 h, suggesting the formation of relatively well‐defined star‐shaped polymers. Additionally, the intrinsic viscosities of the star‐shaped products were lower than calculated values for linear analogs of equivalent molecular weight, which further supported the formation of a star‐shaped architecture. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 216–223, 2001     

Electronic,bonding, and optical properties of 1d [CuCN]n (n = 1–10) chains, 2d [CuCN]n (n = 2–10) nanorings,and 3d [Cun(CN)n]m (n = 4, m = 2, 3; n = 10, m = 2) tubes studied by DFT/TD‐DFT methods

The electronic, bonding, and photophysical properties of one‐dimensional [CuCN]_n (n = 1–10) chains, 2‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 2–10) nanorings, and 3‐D [Cu_n(CN)_n]_m (n = 4, m = 2, 3; n = 10, m = 2) tubes are investigated by means of a multitude of computational methodologies using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent‐density‐functional theory (TD‐DFT) methods. The calculations revealed that the 2‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 2–10) nanorings are more stable than the respective 1‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 2–10) linear chains. The 2‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 2–10) nanorings are predicted to form 3‐D [Cu_n(CN)_n]_m (n = 4, m = 2, 3; n = 10, m = 2) tubes supported by weak stacking interactions, which are clearly visualized as broad regions in real space by the 3D plots of the reduced density gradient. The bonding mechanism in the 1‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 1–10) chains, 2‐D [CuCN]_n (n = 2–10) nanorings, and 3‐D [Cu_n(CN)_n]_m (n = 4, m = 2, 3; n = 10, m = 2) tubes are easily recognized by a multitude of electronic structure calculation approaches. Particular emphasis was given on the photophysical properties (absorption and emission spectra) of the [CuCN]_n chains, nanorings, and tubes which were simulated by TD‐DFT calculations. The absorption and emission bands in the simulated TD‐DFT absorption and emission spectra have thoroughly been analyzed and assignments of the contributing principal electronic transitions associated to individual excitations have been made. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.