Studies in the formation of poly(oxazolidones). II. Selectivity of catalysts and kinetics in the synthesis of 2-oxazolidone from butyl isocyanate and phenylglycidyl ether

The reaction of butyl isocyanate with phenylglycidyl ether was selected as a model reaction for the synthesis of aliphatic isocyanate-based poly(2-oxazolidones). The selectivity of different metal halides and aluminum trichloride/triphenylphosphine oxide (AlCl₃ TPPO) and aluminum hexamethylphosphoramide (AlCl₃ HMPA) complexes were investigated for oxazolidone formation. Both FTIR and mass spectrographic methods were employed for characterization of the reaction products. The kinetics of the model reaction was studied using AlCl₃ TPPO in o-dichlorobenzene at 120 and 140°C.     

A computational study of base‐catalyzed reactions between isocyanates and epoxides affording 2‐oxazolidones and isocyanurates

Title reactions were investigated with ab initio calculations. Methyl isocyanate and ethylene oxide were adopted as model reactants. The products, 2‐oxazolidones and isocyanurates, cannot be yielded without a base catalyst. The 2‐oxazolidone may be produced by a dual S_N2 reaction, where the catalyst base (e.g., Cl⁻) is a nucleophile and a leaving group on the ethylene–oxide carbon. Isocyanurate is generated by the stepwise association of three isocyanate molecules, where one of the molecules is initially linked with a base. The six‐membered ring isocyanurate is isomerized stepwise into the components isocyanate and 2‐oxazolidone. A tetrahedral type of complex between the isocyanurate and a base‐catalyzed ethylene oxide is the key intermediate for the isomerization. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 316–326, 2001     

Studies in the formation of poly(oxazolidone)s. III. Catalysis and kinetics of the model oxazolidone formation from cyclohexyl isocyanate and phenylglycidyl ether

The reaction of cyclohexyl isocyanate with phenylglycidyl ether was selected as model reaction for the synthesis of cycloaliphatic isocyanate-based poly(2-oxazolidone)s. The selectivity of AlCl₃ and AlCl₃-triphenylphosphine oxide (AlCl₃–TPPO) and AlCl₃-hexamethylphosphoric triamide (AlCl₃–HMPA) complexes was studied for 2-oxazolidone formation. The reaction products were identified by means of the melting point, ¹H-NMR, and IR spectroscopy. The kinetics of the model reaction was studied using AlCl₃-TPPO in o-dichlorobenzene at 120 and 140°C.     

Synthesis, characterization and properties of novel thermally stable poly(urethane-oxazolidone) elastomers

Oxazolidone-incorporated polyurethane elastomers based on hydroxyl terminated polycaprolactone, were synthesized and characterized. Reaction of epoxy-terminated polyurethane with isocyanate librated from a blocked polyisocyanate was the strategy followed. The reaction condition was optimized through preparation of model oxazolidones. Epoxy-terminated polyurethanes were prepared from reaction of glycidol with NCO-terminated polyurethane prepolymers and curing agent was synthesized from the reaction of trimethylol propane, toluene diisocyanate and N-methyl-aniline. Incorporation of heterocyclic oxazolidone groups into the polyurethane backbone caused improvements in thermal and mechanical properties. Investigation of structure-property relationship for prepared elastomers showed that the main determining factors for observed properties were crosslink density, crystallinity and content of oxazolidone rings.     

Catalysis in competing isocyanate reactions. I. Effect of organotin–tertiary amine catalysts on phenyl isocyanate and N-butanol reaction

An analytical method based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been developed to investigate the competing isocyanate reactions under the influence of various catalysts. The kinetics of the model reaction between phenyl isocyanate and n-butanol was studied in acetonitrile at 50°C. Effects of various catalysts such as an organotin compound, dibutyltin dilaurate, and tertiary amines, 1,4-diazabicyclo-(2,2,2)octane,N,N′,N″-pentamethyldiprophylene triamine,N,N′N″-tris(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl)-3-hexahydrotriazine, and N,N,N′-trimethylaminoethyl-ethanolamine on the reaction rate and the formation of reaction products were investigated. The reactions were followed by determining the NCO disappearance using the standard di-n-butylamine back-titration method as well as measuring the formation of various reaction products using the HPLC method. The relative specificity of a catalyst in isocyanate reactions can thus be determined from the profile of the model reaction which depends upon the structure of the catalyst employed.     

Synthesis of poly-2-oxazolidones from diisocyanates and diepoxides

Poly-2-oxazolidones of high molecular weight have been synthesized from diisocy anates and diepoxides. The synthetic method was first developed for the model compound 3-phenyl-5-phenoxymethyl-2-oxazolidone prepared from phenyl isocyanate and phenyl glycidyl ether. Conditions found most suitable for a high yield involve slow addition of isocyanate to a solution of epoxide and catalyst, temperatures of 160°C or higher, and a catalytic amount of n-butoxylithium in 1-butanol. The same procedure was used to prepare high molecular weight poly-2-oxazolidones. The polymer structure was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. All polymers prepared were of sufficient molecular weight to be compression molded. The bulk mechanical properties characterize poly-2-oxazolidones as potentially useful engineering thermoplastics. A mechanism for oxazolidone formation is proposed.     

Effect of polar aprotic solvents on the trimerization of phenyl isocyanate by organometallic catalysts

Studies of the trimerization of phenyl isocyanate by organometallic catalysts in the presence of various solvents have shown that dipolar aprotic solvents, such as DMSO and DMF, even in small amounts enhance greatly the rate of reaction. In accordance with their mode of action and of the effect of DMSO or DMF, the catalysts could be divided into three groups. Group I comprises tributyltin oxide, Ti(OBu)₄ and Zr(OBu)₄, which give a fast addition to the isocyanate. Maximum increase in rate was observed at DMSO:PhNCO = 1:1 due to the formation of a 1:1 charge transfer complex between them. Group 2 comprises naphthenates of Pb.Zr and Co which form complexes with the isocyanate, the reaction being much faster with the C.T. complex of DMSO and PhNCO: maximum increase in rate was observed at low DMSO concentrations, about the same as that of the catalyst. Group 3 comprises nucleophiles such as the amine catalysts, where the enhancement in rate was not great, due to the same mode of nucleophilic interaction of the catalyst and DMSO or DMF with the isocyanate.     

Influence of FeCl3‐modified chloroaluminate ionic liquids on long‐chain alkenes alkylation

The influence of anhydrous ferric chloride on the catalytic properties of chloroaluminate ionic liquids catalyst for Friedel–Crafts alkylation was investigated. The catalysts were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) (acetonitrile molecule as probe), specific gravity, and ²⁷Al NMR. Besides, the effect of the mass ratio of FeCl₃ to AlCl₃, catalysts dosage, toluene/olefin molar ratio, reaction temperature, and reaction time on long‐chain alkenes alkylation were investigated thoroughly. And bromine value and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were employed as the evaluation method for alkylation products. It was observed that the addition of anhydrous ferric chloride results in improvement in terms of Lewis acid and its catalytic recyclability. Among these catalysts studied, the catalyst modified with 1.0 wt.% anhydrous FeCl₃ showed the best catalytic performance in terms of yield and stability, which can be attributed to the formation of new stronger acidic ions [Al₂FeCl_l0]^? when the added ferric chloride reacts with acidic ions [Al₂Cl₇]^?.     

Synthesis of 5-<Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butyl-1,2,3-trimethylbenzene catalyzed by [Et<Subscript>3</Subscript>NH]Cl–AlCl<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Common Lewis acids and Lewis acidic ionic liquid catalysts were applied in the synthesis of 5-tert-butyl-1,2,3-trimethylbenzene from 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene and 2-chloro-2-methylpropane, where [Et₃NH]Cl–AlCl₃ demonstrated the most promising catalytic potential. The effects of reaction time, temperature, catalyst composition and dosage have been systematically studied in the presence of [Et3NH]Cl–AlCl3. The maximum selectivity of 90.32% was achieved upon heating at 10°C for 5 h with a mass fraction of [Et₃NH]Cl–AlCl₃ to 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene of 10%. Activity of the ionic liquid catalyst remained high after several cycles.     

Complex formation between catalysts,alcohols, and isocyanates in the preparation of urethanes

The mechanism of the catalyzed reaction between alcohols and isocyanates was investigated by means of NMR, infrared, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. The shift of the ? OH proton resonance in the NMR spectra indicated the existence of a 1 : 1 complex in the system dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL)–1-methoxy-2-propanol. Complex formation was also observed when lead naphthenate or triethylamine (TEA) were substituted for the DBTDL. Mixtures of the DBTDL–TEA catalysts caused a shift of the ? OH proton resonance greater than that observed for either catalyst alone. This correlates with the synergistic effect noted when preparing urethanes with a mixture of these catalysts. No direct evidence of alcohol–catalyst complex formation could be obtained by infrared spectroscopy. Efforts were also made to detect complex formation in mixtures of phenyl isocyanate and catalysts. These complexes could not be detected by NMR, infrared, or ultraviolet spectroscopy.     

Polymerization of 3,4-dihydro-2H-carboxyaldehyde (acrolein dimer). Part II. Copolymerization with isocyanates

Copolymers of 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-carboxyaldehyde (acrolein dimer) with phenyl isocyanate were obtained under several conditions. Infrared and NMR analyses showed that the isocyanate always reacted with acrolein dimer forming urethane linkages, not block units of isocyanate. An alternating copolymer was obtained from the copolymerization in the presence of anionic catalysts such as butyllithium at room temperature, irrespective of the monomer ratios employed. The isocyanate content in the copolymer prepared with an Al(C₂H₅)₂Cl catalyst was increased by elevating polymerization temperature. The copolymerizability of aldehydes with the isocyanate depends upon the polarity of aldehyde group.     

Optimal process conditions for zeolite catalyzed acylation of anisole

Acylation of anisole is a commercially important reaction in the production of various fine chemicals, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and fragrances. Conventionally, it is carried out using the catalysts like AlCl₃, FeCl₃, ZnCl₃, HF, which suffer from major drawbacks such as larger consumption, corrosion and safety issues, waste disposal and the material handling. Hence the conventional catalysts are being replaced with solid acid catalysts like H-Beta, H-ZSM5 to overcome the above drawbacks. In this work, liquid phase acylation of anisole has been carried out employing H Beta, H ZSM-5 and HY catalysts and the process standardization at a macrolevel has been done with reference to parameters like temperature, reaction time, molar ratio of reactants, catalyst nature, Si/Al ratio of catalyst and the catalyst quantity. In addition, catalyst stability was investigated.     

Study on the mechanism of catalytic synthesis of dimethyldichlorosilane by AlCl3/MIL‐53(Al)@γ‐Al2O3

Dimethyldichlorosilane, one of the most consumed organosilicon monomers in the industry, can be prepared in a highly efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis method of disproportionating methylchlorosilanes. However, the internal mechanism of the reaction remains unclear. In this paper, the mechanism catalyzed by AlCl₃/MIL‐53(Al) and AlCl₃/MIL‐53(Al)@γ‐Al₂O₃ catalysts was calculated at B3LYP/6‐311++G(3df, 2pd) level by using the density functional theory (DFT). The results showed that although the two catalysts had similar active structures, the catalytic effects were significantly different. The Lewis acid center on the surface of γ‐Al₂O₃ in the core‐shell catalyst is complementary to the classic Lewis acid AlCl₃ through the spatial superposition effect, which greatly improves the Lewis acid catalytic activity of AlCl₃/MIL‐53(Al)@γ‐Al₂O₃.     

Effect of polar aprotic solvents and organometallic catalysts on the reaction of alcohols with isocyanates

DMF and DMSO catalyse the reaction of butanol with PhNCO but inhibit that with aliphatic isocyanates, due to formation of an active 1:1 charge transfer complex with the aromatic isocyanate. Similarity was found in the mode of catalysis of the urethane reaction with these solvents to that with tert, amines. Various organometallic compounds were tested as catalysts for urethane formation with aliphatic isocyanates. Those that gave fast addition to the NCO group, such as tributyltin oxide, Zr(OBu)₄ and Zr(acac)₄, were the strongest catalysts. In the presence of organometallic catalysts, urethane formation was the sole reaction and trimerization of the isocyanate was suppressed.     

Preparation of Porous Polymers Based on the Building Blocks of Cyclophosphazene and Cage-like Silsesquioxane and Their Use as Basic Catalysts for Knoevenagel Reactions

Phosphazene-containing porous materials are of a great interest due to their unique properties, caused by the synergetic presence of nitrogen and phosphorus atoms, and have found applications as adsorbents, basic catalysts, etc. On the other hand, cage-like silsesquioxanes are ideal building blocks for the preparation of covalently-linked porous materials. Here two new phosphazene-functionalized organosilsesquioxane cage-based porous polymers were synthesized successively by a Friedel-Crafts reaction of hexapyrrolylcyclotriphosphazene with octavinylsilsesquioxane in the presence of AlCl₃ and CF₃SO₃H as catalysts. The nature of acid catalysts barely influenced the character of pores due to the interaction of catalysts with basic nitrogen atoms of phosphazene units. The obtained polymers exhibited high efficiency as metal-free catalysts for the Knoevenagel reaction. This work opens new perspectives in the use of porous polymers based on cage-like organosiloxane compounds as basic catalysts for various reactions.     

Ionization of MgCl2 during the formation of α-olefin polymeryzation catalyst

The examination of the reaction between [MgCl₂(THF)₂], TiCl₄₍₃₎, AlCl₃, AlEt₃, AlEt₂Cl and the synthesis and isolation of compounds as crystals and resolution of their structure by the X-ray method were the subject of our study. It was expected that these investigations would help to understand the behaviour of MgCl₂ towards the transition metal and furnish useful relationships to the structure of catalyst active center and to the polymerization mechanism in TiCl₄₍₃₎/MgCl₂/AlEt₃ system. Our studies have revealed that the main difference between the first and higher generations of Ziegler-Natta catalysts is only the number of active centers.     

Catalysis in competing isocyanate reactions. II. Competing phenyl isocyanate reactions catalyzed with N,N′,N″-pentamethyldipropylenetriamine

The kinetics of the N,N′,N″-pentamethyl dipropylene triamine (PMPT)-catalyzed reaction of phenyl isocyanate with n-butanol was studied in acetonitrile between 26.5 and 50°C by measuring the NCO disappearance as well as the formation of the various reaction products by means of the standard dibutylamine back-titration method and the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The resulting products from the phenyl isocyanate and n-butanol reaction were found to be N-butyl phenylcarbamate, N-butyl-α,γ-diphenylallophanate, and triphenylisocyanurate. Trimer formed at the expense of carbamate formation even at a high OH/NCO ratio. Allophanate appeared to be an intermediate in the formation of trimer. PMPT was found to be a urethane and trimerization catalyst for the model reaction of phenyl isocyanate with n-butanol in acetonitrile. The PMPT-catalyzed reaction of phenyl isocyanate with n-butanol in the presence of water in acetonitrile at 50°C was also investigated. The resulting reaction products consisted of n-butyl phenylcarbamate, n-butyl-β,γ-diphenylallophanate, triphenylisocyanurate, sym-triphenylbiuret, and N,N′-diphenylurea. The presence of water retarded the disappearance of NCO groups as well as the trimer formation. Aniline (the product of phenyl isocyanate and water) was detected in the reaction of equivalent amounts of phenyl isocyanate and water in acetonitrile.     

Influence of catalytic system composition on formation of adamantane containing ketones

The preparation of non-symmetrical ketones by the reaction of acyl chlorides and the corresponding Grignard reagents in the presence of catalytic amounts of metal halides is described. The composition of catalyst has a great influence on the yield of the required ketone as well as on side product formation. For each catalytic system, the yield of ketone and the number of side products changes with the time of addition of the Grignard reagent. We examined the influence of both factors in our model reaction of adamantane-1-carbonyl chloride with ethylmagnesium bromide and discussed the possible mechanisms from this point of view. We have found ZnCl₂, MnCl₂, AlCl₃ and CuCl to be active catalytic components and developed very efficient, cheap and fast methods for the preparation of alkyl adamantyl ketones. The procedure was also tested for the synthesis of other alkyl aryl ketones.     

Linear polybenzyls. III. Sterically assisted linear polymerization of 2,5-dimethylbenzyl chloride and α-methylbenzyl chloride

The low-temperature Friedel-Crafts step-growth polymerization reactions of 2,5-dimethylbenzyl chloride with TiCl₄—(C₂H₅)₂AlCl catalyst, and of α-methylbenzyl chloride with AlCl₃ catalyst were investigated for the effect of reaction conditions on polymer molecular weight, linearity, glass transition temperature, and crystalline properties. Premature precipitation of highly crystalline poly(2,5-dimethylbenzyl) prevented the preparation of high molecular weight products from this monomer, while most likely an indanyl-type termination reaction limited the molecular weight of poly(α-methylbenzyl). Model reactions indicated that, under proper conditions, the latter could be prepared with 99% para substitution, and these polymers were crystalline.     

Synthesis of poly(arylene sulfide)s by reaction of aromatic sulfides with AlCl3

Methods have been developed to obtain poly(arylene sulfide)s by high-temperature bulk polycondensation of diphenyl sulfide, cyclic aromatic sulfides, as well as direct reaction of benzene with sulfur, under the action of AlCl₃. The reaction proceeds via the formation of colored cation-radical complexes of aromatic sulfides with AlCl₃ and results in polymers of ladder structure with, predominantly, thianthrene units in the chain. Taking linear poly(1,4-phenylene sulfide) as an example, AlCl₃ is shown not only to act as a catalyst but also to exert an active influence on the chemical structure of the polymer.