Preparation of ultra high molecular weight amorphous poly(1‐hexene) by a Ziegler–Natta catalyst

High molecular weight polymers such as poly (α‐olefin)s play a key role as drag‐reducing agents which are commonly used in pipeline industry. Heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta catalyst system of MgCl₂.nEtOH/TiCl₄/donor was prepared using a spherical MgCl₂ support and utilized in synthesis of poly(1‐hexene)s with a viscosity average molecular weight (M_v) up to 3.5 × 10³ kDa. The influence of effective parameters including Al/Ti ratio, polymerization temperature, monomer concentration, effect of alkylaluminus type on the productivity, and molecular weight of the products was evaluated. It was suggested that the reactivity of the Al‐R group and the bulkiness of the cocatalyst were correlated to the performance of the Ziegler–Natta catalyst at different polymerization time and temperatures, affecting the catalyst activity and M_v of polymers. Moreover, bulk polymerization method leads to higher viscosity average molecular weights, revealing the remarkable effect of polymerization method on the chain microstructure. Fourier transform infrared, ¹³C Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and DSC thermogram of the prepared polymers confirmed the formation of poly(1‐hexene). The properties of the polymers measured by vortex test showed that these polymers could be used as a drag‐reducing agent. Drag‐reducing behaviors of the polymers exhibited a dependence on the M_v of the obtained polymers that was changed by variation in polymerization parameters. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modification of styrene polymer with organosilicon groups

The homopolymer of 4‐chloromethylstyrene (P1) and its copolymers with styrene (in various mole ratios) were synthesized by bulk and solution free radical polymerizations, respectively, at 70 ± 1°C using α,α′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) as an initiator. Lithiation of these soluble polymers in THF at −78°C was done and reacted with electrophiles such as tert‐BuMe₂Si, Et₃Si, and Me₃SiCH₂ in the presence of 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butylbiphenyl (DTBB) as a catalyst to produce modified polystyrene. In the other way, trimethylsilylmethyl lithium substitute as a nucleophile was covalently linked to the homopolymer and copolymer. The polymers were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and gel permeation chromatography. DSC showed that incorporation of silyl substitute in the side chains of homopolymer and copolymers increases the rigidity of the polymers and, subsequently, their glass transition temperature. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 18:414–420, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/hc.20314     

Isospecific Polymerization of Propylene By ansa-Zirconocene Diamide Compound Cocatalyzed by Mao

Abstract

The kinetics of propylene polymerization initiated by racemic ethylene-1,2-bis(1-indenyl) zirconium bis(dimethylamide) [rac-(EBI) Zr(NMe₂)₂(rac-1)] cocatalyzed by methylaluminoxane (MAO) were studied. The polymerization behaviors of rac-1/MAO catalyst investigated by changing various experimental parameters are quite different from those of rac-(EBI) ZrCl₂ (rac-2)/MAO catalyst, due to the differences in the generation procedure of cationic actives species of each metallocene by the reaction with MAO. The activity of rac-1/MAO catalyst showed maximum when [Al]/[Zr] is around 2000, when [Zr] is 137.1 μM, and when polymerization temperature is 30°C. The negligible activity of rac-1/MAO catalyst at a very low MAO concentration seems to be caused by the instability of the cationic active species. The meso pentad values of polymers produced by rac-1/MAO catalyst at 30°C are in the range of 82.8% to 89.7%. The rac-1/MAO catalyst lost stereorigid character at the polymerization temperature above 60°C. The molecular weight of polymer decreased as [Al]/[Zr] ratio, polymerization temperature, and [Zr] increased. The molecular weight distributions of all polymers are in the range of 1.8–2.3, demonstrating uniform active species present in the polymerization system.     

Polymerization of α-Hydroxyacetylenes by Transition Metal Catalysts

Abstract

α-Hydroxyacetylenes (2-propyn-1-ol, DL-3-butyn-2-ol, 1-octyn-3-ol, 2-phenyl-3-butyn-2-ol) with a hydroxy functional group were polymerized by various Mo- and W-based catalysts. In general, the catalytic activities of Mo-based catalysts were greater than those of W-based catalysts for these polymerizations. In the polymerization of 2-propyn-l-ol, MoCl₅ alone and the MoCl₅-EtAlCl₂ catalyst system gave a quantitative yield of polymer. In the polymerization of 2-propyn-l-ol and its homologues by Mo-based catalysts, the polymer yield decreased as the bulkiness of the substituent increased. On the other hand, the polymer yield increased as the bulkiness of the substituent increased in WCl₆-EtAlCl₂-catalyzed polymerization. Polymers with a bulkier substituent showed better solubility in organic solvents than those without a substituent [e.g., poly (2-propyn-l-ol)]. The structures of the resulting polymers were characterized by various instrumental methods such as ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, IR, and UV-visible spectroscopies. Thermogravimetric analyses and thermal transitions of the resulting polymers were also studied.     

Synthesis of poly(1‐chloro‐2‐arylacetylene)s with high cis‐content and examination of their absorption/emission properties

A series of 1‐chloro‐2‐arylacetylenes [Cl‐C?C‐Ar, Ar = C₆H₅ ( 1 ), C₆H₄‐p‐i Pr ( 2 ), C₆H₄‐p‐Oi Pr ( 3 ), C₆H₄‐p‐NHC(O)Ot Bu ( 4 ), and C₆H₄‐o‐i Pr ( 5 )] were polymerized using (tBu₃P)PdMeCl/silver trifluoromethanesulfonate (AgOTf) and MoCl₅/SnBu₄ catalysts. The corresponding polymers [poly( 1 )–poly( 5 )] with weight‐average molecular weights of 6,500–690,000 were obtained in 10–91% yields. THF‐insoluble parts, presumably high‐molecular weight polymers, were formed together with THF‐soluble polymers by the Pd‐catalyzed polymerization. The Pd catalyst polymerized nonpolar monomers 1 and 2 to give the polymers in yields lower than the Mo catalyst, while the Pd catalyst polymerized polar monomers 3 and 4 to give the corresponding polymers in higher yields. The ¹H NMR and UV–vis absorption spectra of the polymers indicated that the cis‐contents of the Pd‐based polymers were higher than those of the Mo‐based polymers, and the conjugation length of the Pd‐based polymers was shorter than that of the Mo‐based polymers. Pd‐based poly( 5 ) emitted fluorescence most strongly among poly( 1 )–poly( 5 ). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55 , 382–388     

Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate in the Presence of Imidazole Derivatives. Kinetics and Polymer Structure

The kinetics of the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of imidazole (Im), 2-methylimidazole (2MIm), or benz-imidazole (BIm) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 15–40°C was investigated by dilatometry. The rate of polymerization, R_p , was expressed by R_p = k[Im] [MMA]², where k = 3.0 × 10^?6 L²/(mol² s) in THF at 30°C. The overall activation energy, E_a , was 6.9 kcal/mol for the Im system and 7.3 kcal/mol for the 2MIm system. The relation between logR_p and 1 T was not linear for the BIm system. The polymers obtained were soluble in acetone, chloroform, benzene, and THF. The melting points of the polymers were in the range of 258–280°C. The ¹H-NMR spectra indicated that the polymers were made up of about 58–72% of syndiotactic structure. The polymerization mechanism is discussed on the basis of these results.     

Synthesis and properties of poly(dipropargyl sulfoxide)

The preparation and cyclopolymerization of dipropargyl sulfoxide were studied. The polymerization of dipropargyl sulfoxide was carried out by various transition metal catalysts. WCl₆–EtAlCl₂, MoCl₅, and PdCl₂ catalyst systems were very effective. The resulting poly(dipropargyl sulfoxide) structures were characterized by NMR (¹H and ¹³C), IR, and elemental analysis to have conjugated polyene units. Poly(dipropargyl sulfoxide) prepared by PdCl₂ was mostly soluble in organic solvents such as DMF and DMSO. Thermal and oxidative properties of poly(dipropargyl sulfoxide) were also studied. The electrical conductivity of iodine-doped poly(dipropargyl sulfoxide) was 5.2 × 10^?2 Ω^?1 cm^?1. Comparisons of poly(dipropargyl sulfoxide) properties with other similar polymers from dipropargyl sulfur derivatives such as dipropargyl sulfide and dipropargyl sulfone were also carried out. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Methacrylic Copolymers: Determination of Monomer Reactivity Ratios

A new methacrylic monomer, 4‐nitro‐3‐methylphenyl methacrylate (NMPM) was prepared by reacting 4‐nitro‐3‐methyl phenol dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) in the presence of triethylamine as a catalyst. Copolymerization of NMPM with methyl methacrylate (MMA) has been carried out in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) by free radical solution polymerization at 70±1°C utilizing benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiator. Poly (NMPM‐co‐MMA) copolymers were characterized by FT‐IR, ¹H‐NMR and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weights (M_w and M_n) and polydispersity indices (M_w/M_n) of the polymers were determined using a gel permeation chromatograph. The glass transition temperatures (T_g) of the copolymers were determined by a differential scanning calorimeter, showing that T_g increases with MMA content in the copolymer. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers, performed under nitrogen, shows that the stability of the copolymer increases with an increase in NMPM content. The solubility of the polymers was tested in various polar and non‐polar solvents. Copolymer compositions were determined by ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy by comparing the integral peak heights of well separated aromatic and aliphatic proton peaks. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined by the Fineman‐Ross (r₁ =7.090:r₂=0.854), Kelen‐Tudos (r₁=7.693: r₂=0.852) and extended Kelen‐Tudos methods (r₁=7.550: r₂= 0.856).     

New chiral [N,N,N]‐ligand containing titanium/zirconium precatalysts for 1‐hexene polymerization

The ring‐opening reaction of (S)‐N‐tosyl‐2‐phenylaziridine by benzylamine in ethanol at 80 °C resulted in the formation of the (S,S)‐bis(N‐tosyl‐2‐amino‐2‐phenylethyl)benzylamine ligand in a 60% yield. The corresponding titanium complex, 1‐TiCl₂, was prepared by the reaction of the dilithiated parent ligand with TiCl₄. This precatalyst, in combination with methylaluminoxane, was capable of polymerizing 1‐hexene with good activities, resulting in the formation of good yields of low‐dispersity, high‐molecular‐weight polymers at low temperatures but higher yields of lower molecular weight polymers at higher temperatures. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of the polymers suggested high isotacticity and predominant chain termination via β‐hydride elimination. The enantiomerically pure catalysts, (R,R)‐1‐TiCl₂ and (S,S)‐1‐TiCl₂, showed nearly identical polymerization results at various polymerization temperatures. However, when the catalyst was prepared from a racemic ligand, the obtained polymers had lower molecular weights with a bimodal distribution. This observation suggested diastereomeric aggregation of the racemic catalyst, which was well supported by the NMR studies, and a modified Arrhenius plot (the natural logarithm of the number‐average molecular weight vs the reciprocal of the temperature) also showed sigmoidal behavior, indicating the existence of two or more active species. Analogous zirconium precatalysts showed similar results in the polymerization of 1‐hexene. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4006–4014, 2006     

Copolymers of dicyclopentadiene and tricyclopentadiene

Series of copolymers of dicyclopentadiene and tricyclopentadiene have been prepared by ringopening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) using a catalytic system of [W(=N-phenyl) (2,6-dimethyl phenolate)₄]/n-BuLi. Due to the presence of double bonds, the polymers obtained from ROMP are unstable. Thus the hydrogenation reaction is carried out after ROMP using a catalyst of bis(2,4-pentanediono)nickel/triisobutylaluminium. The polymers obtained were characterized by means of ¹H NMR; the results show an agreement with the proposed structure. Glass transition temperature T _g of the polymers are modulated by the feed mole ratio of dicyclopentadiene and tricyclopentadiene. With the increasing of tricyclopentadiene content, the T _g of the polymers before hydrogenation increases from 153 to 256°C, and the T _g of the polymers after hydrogenation increases from 106 to 188°C. In addition, the different ratio of dicyclopentadiene and tricyclopentadiene in polymer main chains offers different packing patterns to the structure of the copolymers, and leads to their different free volumes and occupied volumes.     

Mono‐ and binuclear nickel catalysts for 1‐hexene polymerization

Polymerization of 1‐hexene was carried out using a mononuclear (MN) catalyst and two binuclear (BN₁ and BN₂) α‐diimine Ni‐based catalysts synthesized under controlled conditions. Ethylaluminium sesquichloride (EASC) was used as an efficient activator under various polymerization conditions. The highly active BN₂ catalyst (2372 g poly(1‐hexene) (PH) mmol^?1 cat) in comparison to BN₁ (920 g PH mmol^?1 cat) and the MN catalyst (819 g PH mmol^?1 cat) resulted in the highest viscosity‐average molecular weight (M_v) of polymer. Moreover, the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of PH obtained using BN₂/EASC was slightly broader than those obtained using BN₁ and MN (2.46 for BN₂ versus 2.30 and 1.96 for BN₁ and MN, respectively). These results, along with the highest extent of chain walking for BN₂, were attributed to steric, nuclearity and electronic effects of the catalyst structures which could control the catalyst behaviour. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the glass transition temperatures of polymers were in the range ? 58 to ?81 °C, and broad melting peaks below and above 0 °C were also observed. In addition, longer α‐olefins (1‐octene and 1‐decene) were polymerized and characterized, for which higher yield, conversion and molecular weight were observed with a narrower MWD. The polymerization parameters such as polymerization time and polymerization temperature showed a significant influence on the productivity of the catalysts and M_v of samples.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyamides derived from (4-(4-(2, 6-diphenylpyridin-4yl)phenoxy)phenyl)-3, 5-diaminobezamide

New types of polyamides containing pendent triaryl pyridine groups were successfully synthesized by direct polycondensation of a symmetry diamine,（4-（4-（2,6-diphenylpyridin-4yl）phenoxy）phenyl）-3,5-diaminobezamide（DPDAB）, and various aromatic and aliphatic dicarboxylic diacids in NMP using triphenyl phosphate（TPP） and pyridine as catalyst. The diamine and all the prepared polyamides were fully characterized by using FT-IR,¹H-NMR,UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorimetry and elemental analysis.The inherent viscosity of polyamides ranged from 0.45 dL/g to 0.68 dL/g.All the polymers exhibited solubility in common polar aprotic solvents such as NMP,DMAc,DMF,DMSO,pyridine,HMPA,and even in less polar solvents such as THF and m-cresol at room temperature.Thermal properties of polyamides were evaluated by means of DSC,DMTA and TGA.These polymers showed glass transition temperatures（T_g） in the range of 138-210℃. Their initial decomposition temperature（T_i） varied from 265℃to 310℃under N₂.The dilute solution（0.2 g/dL） of polyamides in DMF exhibited fluorescence emission withλ_max in the range of 470-550 nm.     

A novel synthesis of polyethers with pendant hydroxyl groups by polyaddition of bis(oxetane)s with bis(phenol)s

The polyaddition of 1,4-bis[(3-ethyl-3-oxetanyl)methoxymethyl]benzene (BEOB) with 3,3′,5,5′-tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA) was examined with or without catalysts. High molecular weight polymer (polymers 1) (M_n = 13,600) with pendant primary hydroxyl groups was obtained in a 99% yield without any gel products when the reaction was performed with 5 mol % of tetraphenylphosphonium bromide as a catalyst in NMP at 160°C for 96 h. However, when the reaction was carried out without a catalyst under the same conditions, a low molecular weight polymer (M_n = 3200) was obtained in a 51% yield. The structure of the resulting polymer was confirmed by IR, ¹H-NMR, and ¹³C-NMR spectra. In this reaction system, it was also found that tetraphenylphosphonium iodide and crown ether complexes such as 18-crown-6 (18-C-6)/KBr and 18-C-6/KI have high catalytic activity. Polyadditions of 1,4-bis[(3-methyl-3-oxetanyl)methoxymethyl]benzene with TCBPA and BEOB with 3,3′,5,5′-tetrabromobisphenol-S were also examined, and corresponding polymers (polymers 2 and 3) were obtained in good yields. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 2781–2790, 1999     

Synthesis and Properties of Poly(1,6-Heptadiyne) Derivatives Containing Hydroxy Functional Group

Abstract

1,6-Heptadiyne derivatives containing hydroxy and aromatic substituents, 4-hydroxy-4-phenyl-l,6-heptadiyne (HPHD), 4-hydroxy-4-(4′-methylphenyl)-l,6-heptadiyne (HMHD), and 4-hydroxy-4-(4′-methoxy-phenyl)-l,6-heptadiyne (HMOHD), were prepared and polymerized by various transition metal catalyst systems. A molybdenum complex was found to be the most effective catalyst for the cyclopolymerization of 4-hydroxy-l,6-heptadiyne derivatives. Polymerization of 4-hydroxy-l,6-heptadiyne derivatives by MoCl₅-based catalysts gave soluble and highly colored polymers. HMOHD containing the methoxy functional group showed the highest reactivity in cyclopolymerization. The structures of the resulting polymers were elucidated with IR, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, and UV-visible spectroscopies. The present polymers were thermally and oxidatively more stable and had higher number-average molecular weights (M_n) of 2 × 10⁴ to 3 ×10⁴ than the corresponding 4-hydroxy-1,6-heptadiyne derivatives containing aliphatic substituents.     

2D NMR characterization of poly(ethylene-co-5-vinyl-2-norbornene)

Unsaturated poly(ethylene-co-5-vinyl-2-norbornene) was synthetized using the [Ph₂C(Flu)(Cp)]ZrCl₂ metallocene/methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalyst system. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of the copolymer were assigned by means of DEPT, homonuclear 2D ¹H-¹H COSY, and heteronuclear 2D ¹H-¹³C correlation NMR experiments. The used catalyst system produces mainly isolated 5-vinyl-2-norbornene (VNB) sequences. VNB is incorporated selectively via the cyclic double bond. The unreacted double bond of the copolymer exists in the 5-endo: 5-exo positions (3 : 1). Both isomers of VNB are polymerized with the same propability.     

Low Temperature WGS Catalysts for Hydrogen Station and Fuel Processor Applications

Generally, water gas shift (WGS) reaction is a very important step in the industrial production of hydrogen, ammonia and other bulk chemicals utilizing synthesis gases. In this paper, we are reporting WGS reaction carried out in our research group for the application of hydrogen station and fuel processor. We prepared various Mo₂C, Pt–Ni-based and Cu-based catalysts for low temperature WGS reaction. The characteristics of the prepared catalyst were analyzed by N₂ physisorption, CO chemisorptions, XRD, SEM and TEM technologies, and compared with that of commercial Cu-Zn/Al₂O₃ catalyst. It was found that prepared catalysts displayed reasonably good activity and thermal cycling stability than commercial LTS (Cu–Zn/Al₂O₃) catalyst. It was found that the deactivation of commercial LTS catalyst during the thermal cycling run at 250 °C was caused by the sintering of active metal even though it shows high activity at less than 250 °C. The deactivation of Mo₂C catalyst during the thermal cycling run was caused by the transition of Mo^δ+, Mo^IV and Mo₂C on the surface of Mo₂C catalyst to Mo^VI(MoO₃) with the reaction of H₂O in reactants. However, they showed higher stability than the commercial LTS catalyst during thermal cycling test. The Pt–Ni/CeO₂ catalyst after the thermal cycling shows slightly deactivation due to the sintering of Ni metal. Among Cu-based catalysts, it was found that Cu–Mo/Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ catalyst has higher WGS activity and stability over commercial LTS catalyst. The results suggested that Pt–Ni/CeO₂ and Cu–Mo/Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ catalysts are desirable candidates for application in hydrogen station and fuel processor system even though all other catalysts deactivated slowly during the thermal cycling run.     

Synthesis,electrolyte properties and solar cell performance of hyperbranched poly(aryl-ether-urea)s

Hyperbranched poly(aryl-ether-urea)s with phenyl, N,N-dimethylamino ethyl and polyethylene oxide end-groups linked through urethane group – HBPEU-1, HBPEU-2 and HBPEU-3 respectively – were synthesized from an AB₂-type blocked isocyanate monomer and characterized by FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, SEC-MALLS, TGA and DSC techniques. The molecular weight of the polymers were found to be ranged from 4.9 × 10³ ? 1.96 × 10⁴ g/mol. The TGA results showed that the polymers decompose between 175°C – 220°C. In the DSC curves, HBPEU-1 and HBPEU-3 showed T_g at 160°C and 53°C respectively, whereas HBPEU-2 did not showed clear T_g. All the three polymers were converted into polymer electrolytes by doping with LiI/I₂. The doped polymers showed remarkably high ionic conductivity, up to 222 – 277 times compared to the un-doped polymers and the highest conductivity was observed with doped HBPEU-2. The TiO₂ based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using the doped polymer electrolytes and their performance was tested; HBPEU-2 showed good performance by yielding energy conversion efficiency (η) of 4.5%.     

Pyrimidine based carboxylic acid terminated aromatic and semiaromatic hyperbranched polyamide-esters: synthesis and characterization

Carboxylic acid terminated aromatic and semiaromatic hyperbranched polyamide-esters (HBPAEs) containing pyrimidine moieties were prepared by polycondensation of 4-hydroxy-2,6-diaminopyrimidine (CBB′) to a double molar ratio of various diacid chlorides (A₂) without any catalyst. The products were soluble in organic solvents, such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and displayed glass transition temperature (T_g) between 180 and 244 °C. The polymerization products have been investigated with FTIR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR analyses and the degree of branching was higher than 60%. Amorphous polymers had inherent viscosity (η_inh) ranging between 0.21-0.28 dL/g and had excellent thermal stability with 10% weight loss at 346-508 °C.     

Addition polymerization of norbornene using bis(β‐ketoamino)nickel(II)/tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane catalytic systems

Norbornene polymerizations proceeded in toluene with bis(β‐ketoamino)nickel(II) {Ni[CH₃C(O)CHC(NR)CH₃]₂ [R = phenyl ( 1 ) or naphthyl ( 2 )]} complexes as the catalyst precursors and the organo‐Lewis compound tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C₆F₅)₃] as a unique cocatalyst. The polymerization conditions, such as the cocatalyst/catalyst ratio (B/Ni), catalyst concentration, monomer/catalyst ratio (norbornene/Ni), polymerization temperature, and polymerization time, were studied in detail. Both bis(β‐ketoamino)nickel(II)/B(C₆F₅)₃ catalytic systems showed noticeably high conversions and activities. The polymerization activities were up to 3.64 × 10⁷ g of polymer/mol of Ni h for complex 1 /(B(C₆F₅)₃ and 3.80 × 10⁷ g of polymer/mol of Ni h for complex 2 /B(C₆F₅)₃, and very high conversions of 90–95% were maintained; both polymerizations provided high‐molecular‐weight polynorbornenes with molecular weight distributions (weight‐average molecular weight/number‐average molecular weight) of 2.5–3.0. The achieved polynorbornenes were confirmed to be vinyl‐addition and atactic polymers through the analysis of Fourier transform infrared, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectra, and the thermogravimetric analysis results showed that the polynorbornenes exhibited good thermal stability (decomposition temperature > 410 °C). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4733–4743, 2007     

Synthesis of highly pure poly(aryleneethnylene)s using palladium supported on calcium carbonate as an eco‐friendly heterogeneous catalyst

Metal catalyst contamination is a major concern in the preparation of polymeric materials. For conjugate polymers, trace amount of metal catalyst is detrimental to the optoelectronic properties. In this work, a method for synthesizing highly pure fluorescent polymers, poly(aryleneethynylene)s (PAEs), was developed using heterogeneous Pd/CaCO₃ catalytic system. Polymerization between a variety of aryl diethynes and aryl diiodides or dibromides were achieved using a catalytic amount of Pd/CaCO₃, CuI, and PPh₃ at 80 °C in good to excellent yields (79–100%). Resulting polymers possess degree of polymerization ranging from 8 to 50 with polydispersity index of 1.5–3.6. Importantly, PAEs from Pd/CaCO₃ catalytic system contain considerably lower level of Pd and Cu contamination (1.9 and 3.4 ppm, respectively) than those obtained from classical homogeneous catalyst, Pd(PPh₃)₄ and PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂ or heterogeneous catalyst Pd/C. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1556–1563