Polymerization of methyl methacrylate by charge-transfer complex using n-butyl amine and carbon tetrachloride in dimethylsulphoxide

The charge-transfer complex formed by the interaction of an aliphatic amine, such as n-butylamine (nBA), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) initiates polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) at 30°. The rate of polymerization is given by R_p = k[MMA]^0.83 [nBA]^0.5 [CCl₄]^0.5 when [CCl₄]/[nBA] is ? 1. When [CCl₄]/[nBA] > 1, R_p is independent of [CCl₄] and R_p = k[MMA]^1.46 [nBA]^0.5. The average rate constants are (1.42 ± 0.05) × 10^?6 1 mol^?1 sec^?1 in terms of MMA and (2.20 ± 0.06) × 10^?6 sec^?1 at 30° for higher and lower concentration of carbon tetrachloride respectively. A charge-transfer mechanism for polymerization is suggested.     

Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate by Charge-Transfer Mechanism with Amines and Carbon Tetrachloride

The charge-transfer complex formed between an amine and carbon tetrachloride can initiate the polymerization of vinyl monomers in a nonaqueous solvent such as dimethylsulfoxide. Here we use cyclopentylamine (CPA) and heptylamine (HA) as the donor compounds for charge-transfer initiation of the polymerization of methl methacrylate (MMA). The rate of polymerization R_p = k[MMA]¹ [amine]^0.5 [CCl₄]^0.5 when [CCl₄] [amine] ≤ 1; when [CCl₄] [amine] < 1, R_p becomes independent of [CCl₄] and R_p = k[MMA]^1.5 [amine]^0.5. The average constant at 60°C for the polymerization of MMA in terms of monomer were (1.66 ± 0.03) × 10^?5 and (1.46 ± 0.04) × 10^?5 s^?1 with CPA and HA, respectively, when [CCl₄] [amine] ≤ 1, and (1.16 ± 0.04) × 10^?5 and (1.39 ± 0.08) × 10^?1 L/mol·s when [CCl₄]/[amine] < 1.     

Synthesis of an arylene/alkylene polyether from diphenolic acid and rosenmund reduction to the polyether aldehyde

The Williamson ether synthesis has been applied to the formation of an arylene/alkylene polyether with pendant carboxyl groups from 4,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)pentanoic acid and 1,4-dichlorobutane. The polymer was found to have a viscosity—molecular weight relationship following the equation, [η] = 1.30 × 10^?4M^0.94, in dimethylformamide at 25°C. Hydrogenolysis of the derived polyether acid chloride was found to proceed smoothly at atmospheric pressure in the presence of Pd–BaSO₄ catalyst without poisoning of the catalyst by multiple absorption of polymer. The resulting polyether aldehyde undergoes typical aldehyde reactions. The infrared spectra of the polymers are also examined.     

Intramolecular cyclization of styrene–p-divinylbenzene copolymers

Styrene has been copolymerized at low conversion with minor quantities of p-divinyl-benzene (p-DVB) in (10–15%) solution in toluene and cyclohexane. Under these conditions the molecular weight of the polystyrene formed in the absence of p-DVB was controlled by chain transfer, and the copolymerization coefficients of the styrene and the p-DVB agreed with previous work. Polymer molecular weights were studied as a function of conversion. At very low conversions the number-average (2.2 × 10⁵) and the weight-average (4.4 × 10⁵) molecular weights were unaffected by substituting some of the styrene by p-DVB, but as the reaction continued M?_n increased slowly and M?_w much faster. On the other hand, even at the lowest conversions the intrinsic viscosity was drastically reduced by the introduction of p-DVB, and the radius of gyration, as measured by light scattering, fell. Infrared studies on the polymer show that the concentration of pendent double bonds in low-conversion copolymers is about half of the doubly substituted phenyl groups. It is concluded that the first polymer chains formed are extensively cyclized with the formation of a relatively large number of small rings.     

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.     

Polymerization of acrylamide with persulfate–thiomalic acid initiator

The redox system of potassium persulfate–thiomalic acid (I₁–I₂) was used to initiate the polymerization of acrylamide (M) in aqueous medium. For 20–30% conversion the rate equation is where R_p is the rate of polymerization. Activation energy is 8.34 kcal deg^?1 mole^?1 in the investigated range of temperature 25–45°C. M_n is directly proportional to [M] and inversely to [I₁]. The range of concentrations for which these observations hold at 35°C and pH 4.2 are [I₁] = (1.0–3.0) × 10^?3, [I₂] = (3.0–7.5) × 10^?3, and [M] = 5.0 × 10^?2–3.0 × 10^?1 mole/liter.     

Grafting onto carbon black by the reaction of reactive carbon black having masked isocyanate or acyl azide group with functional polymers

Although isocyanate group (NCO) introduced onto carbon black surface was inactivated rapidly upon storage, it could be stabilized by masking the NCO group with active hydrogen compounds such as acetylacetone, diethyl malonate, and sodium hydrogensulfite. Upon heating these carbon blacks having masked NCO group at 150°C, the NCO group was regenerated on carbon black by the decomposition of the masked NCO group. On the other hand, acyl azide (CON₃) group introduced onto carbon black was stable at below 20°C, but readily decomposed to NCO group by heating. By means of the reaction of NCO group on carbon black with functional polymers having hydroxyl, amino, and carboxyl group, these polymers were effectively grafted onto carbon black surface. When carbon black having CON₃ group was used as reactive carbon black, the grafting ratio of diol-type polyethylene glycol (M_n = 8.2 × 10³), polyethyleneimine (M_n = 2.0 × 10⁴), polyvinyl alcohol (M_n = 2.2 × 10⁴), and bifunctional carboxyl-terminated polystyrene (M_n = 1.1 × 10⁵) was determined to be 29.7, 81.7, 32.2, and 50.4%, respectively. The number of grafted polymer chain decreases with an increase in molecular weight of the polymers, because the shielding effect of NCO group by grafted polymer chain is enhanced with an increase in molecular weight of the polymer.     

Poly((2‐alkylbenzo[1,2,3]triazole‐4,7‐diyl)vinylene)s for organic solar cells

Poly((2‐Alkylbenzo[1,2,3]triazole‐4,7‐diyl)vinylene)s (pBTzVs) synthesized by Stille coupling show different absorption spectra, solid‐state morphology, and photovoltaic performance, depending on straight‐chain versus branched‐chain (pBTzV12 and pBTzV20) pendant substitution. Periodic boundary condition density functional computations show limited alkyl pendant effects on isolated chain electronic properties; however, pendants could influence polymer backbone conjugative planarity and polymer solid film packing. The polymers are electronically ambipolar, with best performance by pBTzV12 with hole and electron transport mobilities of 4.86 × 10^?6 and 1.96 × 10^?6 cm² V^?1 s^?1, respectively. pBTzV12 gives a smooth film morphology, whereas pBTzV20 gives a very different fibrillar morphology. For ITO/PEDOT:PSS/(1:1 w/w polymer:PC₇₁BM)/LiF/Al devices, pBTzV12 gives power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 2.87%, and pBTzV20 gives up to PCE = 1.40%; both have open‐circuit voltages of V_OC = 0.6–0.7 V. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015 , 53, 1539–1545     

Brush‐First ROMP of poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomers of varied length: impact of polymer architecture on thermal behavior and Li+ conductivity

The properties of polymeric materials are dictated not only by their composition but also by their molecular architecture. Here, by employing brush‐first ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), norbornene‐terminated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) macromonomers ( MM‐n , linear architecture), bottlebrush polymers ( Brush‐n , comb architecture), and brush‐arm star polymers ( BASP‐n , star architecture), where n indicates the average degree of polymerization (DP) of PEO, are synthesized. The impact of architecture on the thermal properties and Li⁺ conductivities for this series of PEO architectures is investigated. Notably, in polymers bearing PEO with the highest degree of polymerization, irrespective of differences in architecture and molecular weight (~100‐fold differences), electrolytes with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) as an Li⁺ source exhibit normalized ionic conductivities (σ_n) within only 4.9 times difference (σ_n = 29.8 × 10^?5 S cm^?1 for MM‐45 and σ_n = 6.07 × 10^?5 S cm^?1 for BASP‐45 ) at a concentration of Li⁺ r = [Li⁺]/[EO] = 1/12 at 50 °C. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019 , 57, 448–455     

Optical‐limiting and nonlinear optical polyacetylenes: Synthesis of azobenzene‐containing poly(1‐alkyne)s with different spacer and tail lengths

Poly(1‐alkyne)s containing azobenzene pendant groups with different lengths of the spacer and terminal alkyloxy group {? [HC?C(CH₂)_mOCO? C₆H₄? N?N? C₆H₄? OC_pH_2p+1]_n? , where m = 1, 2, 3, or 9 and p = 4, 7, or 12} were synthesized in satisfactory yields with the [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂–Et₃N catalyst. All the polymers were soluble in common organic solvents such as CHCl₃ and tetrahydrofuran. Their structures and properties were characterized and evaluated with IR, NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, UV, and optical‐limiting and nonlinear optical analyses. All the polymers were thermally stable and decomposed at temperatures as high as ～300 °C. The optical‐limiting and nonlinear optical properties of the polymers were sensitive to their molecular structures. Polymers having shorter spacer lengths and longer terminal groups showed better performances and larger third‐order nonlinear optical susceptibility (up to 1.34 × 10^?10 esu). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2346–2357, 2006     

Living cationic polymerization of ethyl 2-(vinyloxy)ethoxyacetate: A vinyl ether with an ether and an ester function in the pendant

Ethyl 2-(vinyloxy)ethoxyacetate ( 4 ; CH₂?CH? OCH₂CH₂OCH₂? COOC₂H₅), a vinyl ether having both carboxylic acid ester and oxyethylene unit in its pendant, afforded well-defined living polymers when polymerized by the hydrogen iodide/iodine (HI/I₂) initiating system in toluene at ?40°C. The polymers possessed a narrow molecular weight distribution (M _w/M _n ≤ 1.15), and their molecular weight (M _n) increased proportionally to monomer conversion or the molar ratio of the monomer to hydrogen iodide. The polymer molecular weight also increased upon addition of a fresh feed of the monomer to a completely polymerized reaction mixture. Polymers of high molecular weights (M _n > 5 × 10⁵) and broad molecular weight distributions were obtained by BF₃OEt₂ in toluene at ?40°C. Polymerization rate of 4 with HI/I₂ is ca. 100 times greater than that of the corresponding alkyl vinyl ether, and thus 4 was found to be one of the most reactive vinyl ethers thus far studied. Alkaline hydrolysis of the pendant ester groups of the polymers gave a vinyl ether-based polymeric carboxylic acid 6 with a narrow molecular weight distribution.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(chiral methylpropargyl ester)s Carrying Azobenzene Moieties

Novel chiral methylpropargyl esters bearing azobenzene groups, namely, 4‐[4′‐(benzyloxy)phenylazophenyl]‐ carbonyl‐(S)‐1‐methylpropargyl ester ( e ), 4‐[4′‐(n‐butyloxy)phenylazophenyl]carbonyl‐(S)‐1‐methylpropargyl ester ( f ), 4‐[4′‐(n‐hexyloxy)phenylazophenyl]carbonyl‐(S)‐1‐methylpropargyl ester ( g ), and 4‐[4′‐(n‐octyloxy)phenylazo‐ phenyl]carbonyl‐(S)‐1‐methylpropargyl ester ( h ) were synthesized and polymerized with Rh⁺(nbd)[η⁶‐C₆H₅B^?‐ (C₆H₅)₃] (nbd=norbornadiene) catalyst to give the corresponding polymers with moderate molecular weights (M_n=8.4×10³–15.7×10³) in good yields (76%? –?91%). The structures of polymers were illustrated by IR and NMR spectroscopies. Polymers were soluble in comment organic solvents including toluene, CHCl₃ CH₂Cl₂, THF, and DMSO, while insoluble in diethyl ether, n‐hexane and methanol. Large optical rotations of polymer solutions demonstrated that all the polymers take a helical structure with a predominantly one‐handed screw sense in organic solvents.     

Kinetic Study of the Bromine-Catalyzed Isomerization of Maleic Acid in Aqueous Ce(IV)-Br−-H2SO4 Medium

The presence of ceric and bromide ions catalyzes the isomerization of maleic acid (MA) to fumaric acid (FA) in aqueous sulfuric acid. A kinetic study of this bromine-catalyzed reaction was carried out. The reaction between ceric ion and maleic acid is first order with respect to Ce(IV). For [Ce(IV)]₀=5.0×10^?4 M, [H₂SO₄]₀=1.2 M, μ=2.0 M (adjusted by NaClO₄), and [MA]₀=(0.5–1.0)M, the observed pseudo-first-order rate constant (k₀₃) at 25° is k₀₃=7.622×10^?5 [MA]₀/(1+0.205[MA]₀). The reaction between ceric and bromide ions is first order with respect to Ce(IV). For [Ce(IV)]₀=5.0×10^?4 M, [H₂SO₄]₀=1.2 M, μ=2.0 M, and [Br^?]₀=(0.025–0.150)M, the pseudo-first-order rate constant (k₀₂) at 25° is k₀₂= (4.313±0.095)x10^?2[Br^?]²+(2.060±0.119)x10^?3[Br^?]. The reaction of Ce(IV) with maleic acid and bromide ion is also first order with respect to Ce(IV). For [Ce(IV)]₀=5.0×10^?4 M, [MA]₀=0.75 M, [H₂SO₄]₀=1.2 M, μ=2.0 M, and [Br^?]₀= (0.025–0.150)M, the pseudo-first-order rate constant (k₀₃) at 25° is k₀₃= (5.286±0.045)x10^?2[Br^?]²+(3.568±0.056)x10^?3[Br^?]. For [Ce(IV)]₀=5.0 × 10^?4 M, [Br^?]₀=0.050 M, [H₂SO₄]₀=1.2 M, μ=2.0 M, and [MA]₀=(0.15–1.0)M at 25°, k₀₃=(2.108×10^?4+2.127×10^?4[MA]₀)/(1+0.205[MA]₀). A mechanism is proposed to rationalize the results. The effect of temperature on the reaction rate was also studied. The energy barrier of Ce(IV)—Br^? reaction is much less than that of Ce(IV)—MA reaction. Maleic and fumaric acids have very different mass spectra. The mass spectrum of fumaric acid exhibits a strong metastable peak at m/e 66.5.     

Novel neodymium (III) isopropoxide‐methylaluminoxane catalyst for isoprene polymerization

A novel catalyst composed of neodymium (III) isopropoxide [Nd(OiPr)₃] and methylaluminoxane (MAO) was examined in isoprene polymerization. The Nd(OiPr)₃‐MAO catalyst proved to be highly effective in heptane even at low [Al]/[Nd] ratios (ca. 30) to give polyisoprene that possessed high cis‐1,4 stereoregularity (> ca. 90%), a high number‐average molecular weight (M_n ～10⁵), and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n = 1.9–2.8). The catalyst activity increased with an increasing [Al]/[Nd] ratio from 10 to 80 as well as temperature of aging and polymerization from 0 to 60 °C. The polymerization proceeded in the first order with respect to the monomer concentration. Aliphatic solvents (heptane and cyclohexane) achieved a higher yield and M_n of polymer than toluene as a solvent. The M_w/M_n ratio remained around 2.0, and the gel permeation chromatographic curve was always unimodal, indicating that this system is homogeneous and involves a single active site. The microstructure of polyisoprene was determined by IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR. The cis‐1,4 contents of the final polymers stayed in the range of 90–92%, regardless of reaction conditions, indicating the high stability of stereospecificity of the catalyst. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1838–1844, 2002     

Enhanced dispersion of nanotubes in organic solvents by donor–acceptor interaction between functionalized poly(phenylacetylene) chains and carbon nanotube walls

Phenylacetylene derivatives containing carbazole ( 1 ) and fluorene ( 2 ) moieties were polymerized by [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂ into corresponding polymers P 1 and P 2 of high molecular weights (M_w ～ 150 × 10³–465 × 10³) in high yields (up to 98%). The polymers were characterized by NMR, IR, UV, PL, and CV techniques. Hybrids of the polymers with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared by simply mixing the two components in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane. The solvating power of the polymer carrying the electron‐donating carbazolyl pendant (P 1 ) is stronger than that of its counterpart carrying fluorenyl pendant (P 2 ), due to the stronger donor–acceptor (D–A) interaction between the P 1 chains and the MWNT walls. This work clearly manifests that D–A effect plays an important role in the polymer‐aided MWNT dispersion in organic solvents. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4995–5005, 2009     

Polymerization and copolymerization of trioxane: Factors influencing molecular weight and end groups

In bulk polymerization and copolymerization of trioxane with ethylene oxide, it has been shown that p-chlorophenyldiazonium hexafluorophosphate is a superior catalyst as compared to boron trifluoride dibutyl etherate (BF₃ · Bu₂O). Polymers and copolymers of significantly higher molecular weight have been obtained. The higher molecular weight has been attributed primarily to less inherent chain transfer during propagation, which in turn can be attributed to the superior gegenion PF₆^?. The polymerization proceeds via a clear period followed by sudden solidification. Faster polymerization and higher molecular weight polymers have been observed for homopolymerization than for copolymerization. The polymer yield obtained after solidification is determined by both rate of polymerization and rate of crystallization of polymers. These rates, in turn, are dependent on the catalyst concentration. The molecular weight is determined both by polymer yield and extent of inherent chain transfer. In the range of monomer to catalyst mole ration [M]/[C] = (0.5–20) × 10⁴ investigated, it has been found that in the higher range, the polymer yield is independent of the catalyst concentration and the extent of inherent chain transfer is inversely proportional to the half power of catalyst concentration: [M]/[C] = (0.5–8) × 10⁴ for homopolymerization and (0.5–3) × 10⁴ for copolymerization with 4.2 mole % ethylene oxide. In the lower range, the yield decreases with catalyst concentration and the extent of inherent chain transfer is inversely proportional to higher power of catalyst concentration. The dependence of molecular weight of polymers on catalyst concentration has been shown to be a complex one. The molecular weight goes through a maximum as the catalyst concentration is decreased. The maximum molecular weights have been obtained at [M]/[C] ≈ 8 × 10⁴ for homopolymerization and ～3 × 10⁴ for copolymerization with 4.2 mole % ethylene oxide. Prior to reaching maximum the molecular weight is inversely proportional to the half power of catalyst concentration indicating it is primarily controlled by inherent chain transfer. Upon further decrease of catalyst, molecular weight decreases as a result of both a decrease in polymer yield and an increase in inherent chain transfer. In copolymerization of trioxane and ethylene oxide, it has been ascertained that methylene chloride exhibits a favorable solvating effect. Although higher inherent chain transfer takes place in copolymerization than in homopolymerization, the extent of chain transfer is independent of ethylene oxide concentration. The difference in polymer yield and molecular weight a t different ethylene oxide concentrations is attributed primarily to the difference in k_p/k_t ratio. It also has been demonstrated that end capping of polymer chains can be accomplished by the use of a chain transfer agent—methylal.     

Kinetics and mechanism of photochemical reactions of peroxomonosulfate in the presence and absence of 2-propanol

The photochemical decomposition of peroxomonosulfate (PMS) in the presence and absence of 2-propanol at 25°C was found to obey an overall first-order rate – d[PMS]/dt = k_?[PMS]. In the absence of 2-propanol, the quantum yield ≤ for the decomposition of PMS was found to depend upon the concentration of PMS at [PMS] > 2 × 10^?M, and is independent of concentration at [PMS] > 2 × 10^?2M. The quantum yield in the presence of 2-propanol was found to be 3.03 at [PMS] = 1 × 10^?2M and 4.45 at higher concentrations of PMS. In the pH range of 2–9.0 the quantum yield was found to be independent of pH, and the overall rate constant k_? was found to be 6.49 × 10^?3 s^?1 and 1.68 × 10^?3 s^?1, respectively, in the presence and absence of isopropanol. A suitable chain mechanism is proposed and explained.     

Kinetic study of RuIII‐catalyzed polymerization of methylmethacrylate initiated with n‐butylamine in the presence of carbon tetrachloride by a charge‐transfer mechanism

Ruthenium trichloride (RuCl₃ or Ru^III) catalyzed polymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA) initiated with n‐butylamine (BA) in the presence of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) by a charge‐transfer mechanism has been investigated in a dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) medium by employing a dilatometric technique at 60°C. The rate of polymerization (R_p) has been obtained under the conditions [CCl₄]/[BA] ? 1 and [CCl₄]/[BA] ? 1. The kinetic data indicate the possible participation of the charge‐transfer complex formed between the amine–Ru^III complex and CCl₄ in the polymerization of MMA. In the absence of either CCl₄ or BA, no polymerization of MMA is observed under the present experimental conditions. The rate of polymerization is inhibited by hydroquinone, suggesting a free‐radical initiation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 70–77, 2011     

Kinetics of crosslinking reactions. 1. Reaction rate of intramolecular crosslinkings by using a soluble microgel

Soluble microgels with several pendant vinyl groups were synthesized by radical copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with p-divinyl benzene (p-DVB). The polymerization conditions used for intramolecular crosslinking of microgels were chosen from gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) measurements of the reaction products. The rate constant of intramolecular crosslinking (k_pⁱ) was estimated from the changes in the concentration of pendant vinyl groups of microgel by using photometrical measurements at 30°C assuming a unimolecular termination mechanism of polymer radicals. As a result, k_pⁱ showed larger values than k_p of styrene and depended strongly on the internal structure of the microgels.