Modeling inverse microemulsion polymerization

A mathematical model for inverse microemulsion polymerization has been developed. The model has been used to fit experimental results of the effect of initiator concentration, light intensity, emulsifier concentration, and dispersed phase weight fraction on the monomer conversion evolution, particle size, and polymer molecular weight in the inverse microemulsion polymerization of 2-methacryloyl oxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (MADQUAT) initiated by UV light in the presence of AIBN. A good fitting of the experimental data was achieved. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 2167–2178, 1999     

Kinetics of the photoinitiated inverse microemulsion polymerization of 2-methacryloyl oxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride

The polymerization of inverse microemulsions of 2-methacryloyl oxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride stabilized by a blend of nonionic emulsifiers (a sorbitan sesquioleate and a sorbitan monooleate) and initiated by UV light in the presence of Azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) was investigated. The effect of initiator concentration, light intensity, emulsifier concentration, and dispersed phase weight fraction on the polymerization rate (R_p), number of polymer particles (N_p), and polymer molecular weight (M_w) was studied. The application of this process to tubular reactors is discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 737–748, 1998     

Modeling Particle Size Distribution (PSD) in Emulsion Copolymerization Reactions in a Continuous Loop Reactor

A detailed dynamic mathematical model that describes the evolution of particle size distributions (PSDs) during emulsion copolymerization reactions in a continuous loop reactor was developed and compared with experimental data. The model is based on the assumption that two distinct particle populations exist: precursor particles and stable latex particles. Precursor particles are colloidally unstable and therefore may undergo coagulation with other precursors and be absorbed by stable latex particles. It is shown that the kinetic model is able to reproduce the rather complex dynamic behavior of the vinyl acetate/Veova10 emulsion copolymerization in a continuous loop reactor, including the development of oscillatory responses of PSDs during reaction start‐up. It is also shown that, for the studied polymerization system, oscillatory responses are obtained only when both particle populations are assumed to exist and when both coagulative and micellar particle nucleations are simultaneously considered.     

Trifluoromethylation of Carbonyl and Unactivated Olefin Derivatives by C(sp3)−C Bond Cleavage

Herein, we report a Cu-mediated trifluoromethylation of carbonyl-type compounds and unactivated olefins enabled by visible-light irradiation via σ C(sp³)−C bond-functionalization. The reaction is distinguished by its modularity, mild conditions and wide scope—even in the context of late-stage functionalization—thus offering a complementary approach en route to valuable C(sp³)−CF₃ architectures from easily accessible precursors.     

On the density of foliations without algebraic solutions on weighted projective planes

We prove that a generic holomorphic foliation on a weighted projective plane has no algebraic solutions when the degree is big enough. We also prove an analogous result for foliations on Hirzebruch surfaces.     

Origins of the Reactivity in 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions of Acyl Isocyanide Ylides

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions are the preferred method to generate five-membered heterocyclic rings. Surprisingly, cycloadditions based on acyl-isocyanide ylides have remained underexplored by the chemical community. Acyl-isocyanide ylides readily react with dipolarophiles, such as substituted alkenes, to yield Δ¹-pyrroline derivatives. As an explanation for the observed reactivity of this reaction is lacking, extensive density functional theory calculations were performed to scrutinize the mechanistic features of the transformation. Herein we explain the experimental outcome of the reaction using a variety of reactivity theories and predict opposed regioselectivity for electron-poor and electron-rich dipolarophiles. With the insights obtained, we hope to incentivize the design of new cycloaddition reactions based on the acyl-isocyanide ylides motif.     

α-Difluoroalkylation of Benzyl Amines with Trifluoromethylarenes

An α-difluoroalkylation of benzyl amines with trifluoromethylarenes is disclosed herein. This protocol is characterized by its operational simplicity, excellent chemoselectivity and broad scope—even with advanced synthetic intermediates—, thus offering a new entry point to medicinally-relevant α-difluoroalkylated amines from simple, yet readily accessible, precursors.     

Copper-Catalyzed C(sp3)-Amination of Ketone-Derived Dihydroquinazolinones by Aromatization-Driven C−C Bond Scission

Herein, we describe the development of a copper-catalyzed C(sp³)-amination of proaromatic dihydroquinazolinones derived from ketones. The reaction is enabled by the intermediacy of open-shell species arising from homolytic C−C bond-cleavage driven by aromatization. The protocol is characterized by its operational simplicity and generality, including chemical diversification of advanced intermediates.