Free‐Radical Termination Kinetics Studied Using a Novel SP‐PLP‐ESR Technique

Summary: A novel method for measuring termination rate coefficients, k_t, in free‐radical polymerization is presented. A single laser pulse is used to instantaneously produce photoinitiator‐derived radicals. During subsequent polymerization, radical concentration is monitored by time‐resolved electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The size of the free radicals, which exhibits a narrow distribution increases linearly with time t, which allows the chain‐length dependence of k_t to be deduced. The method will be illustrated using dodecyl methacrylate polymerization as an example.

Two straight lines provide a very satisfactory representation of the chain‐length dependence of k_t over the entire chain‐length region (c_R = radical concentration).     

Termination in Dilute‐Solution Free‐Radical Polymerization: A Composite Model

Literature data are summarized for the chain‐length‐dependence of the termination rate coefficient in dilute solution free‐radical polymerizations. In essence such experiments have yielded two parameter values: the rate coefficient for termination between monomeric free radicals, kequation/tex2gif-stack-1.gif, and a power‐law exponent e quantifying how k_t values decrease with increasing chain length. All indications are that the value e ≈ 0.16 in good solvent is accurate, however the values of kequation/tex2gif-stack-2.gif which have been deduced are considerably lower than well‐established values for small molecule radicals. This seeming impasse is resolved by putting forward a ‘composite’ model of termination: it is proposed that the value e ≈ 0.16 holds only for long chains, with e being higher for small chains – the value 0.5 is used in this paper, although it is not held to dogmatically. It is then investigated whether this model is consistent with experimental data. This is a non‐trivial task, because although the experiments themselves and the ways in which they are analyzed are elegant and not too complicated, the underlying theory is sophisticated, as is outlined. Simulations of steady‐state polymerization experiments are first of all carried out, and it is shown that the composite model of termination both recovers the e values which have been found and beautifully explains why these experiments considerably underestimate the true value of kequation/tex2gif-stack-3.gif. Simulations of pulsed‐laser polymerizations find the same, although not quite so strikingly. It is therefore concluded that our new termination model, which retains the virtue of simplicity and in which all parameter values are physically reasonable, is consistent with experimental data. Taking a wider view, it seems likely that the situation of the exponent e varying with chain length will not just be the case in dilute solution, but will be the norm for all conditions, which would give our model and our work a general relevance.

Normalized chain length distributions from PLP simulations.     

Quantitative Treatment of the Kinetics of Free‐Radical‐Mediated Damage. Protection by Free‐Radical Scavengers

Equations are derived to quantitatively describe the effect of a free‐radical scavenger upon the rate of a radical‐mediated process that senses the steady‐state free‐radical concentration. The dependence of the ratio R°/R (where R° is the rate of the process in the absence of additive) upon the additive concentration depends upon the type of reaction that determines the free‐radical lifetime. Normal Stern‐Volmer‐like behavior is expected only when the lifetime of the radical in the absence of free‐radical scavengers is determined by the concentration of the substance employed as the reporter of the free‐radical concentration. These predictions are tested in a system comprised of 2,2′‐azobis[2‐methylpropanimidamide dihydrochloride) as the free‐radical source, c‐phycocyanin as the reporter molecule, and Trolox (=3,4‐dihydro‐6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethyl‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐carboxylic acid) tryptophan and 4‐methoxyphenol as peroxyl‐radical scavengers. The data obtained with Trolox show that it behaves as a nearly ideal free‐radical scavenger. On the other hand, the data obtained with tryptophan and 4‐methoxyphenol as scavengers show, when plotted according to the Stern‐Volmer equation, a strong downward curvature. These results are explained in terms of c‐phycocyanin bleaching by scavenger‐derived free radicals.     

Simulation of Non‐Linear Free‐Radical Polymerization Using a Percolation Kinetic Gelation Model

A new kinetic gelation model that incorporates the kinetics of representative non‐linear free‐radical polymerization is presented. Specifically, free‐radical homopolymerization, polymerization in the presence of a chain‐transfer agent (CTA, CTA‐induced polymerization), and copolymerization of a mixture of the bi‐ and tetrafunctional monomer is used to simulate kinetic effects on polymerization statistics and microstructures. An algorithm for random next‐step selection in a self‐avoiding random walk and efficient mechanisms of a component's mobility are introduced to improve the generality of the predictions by removing commonly occurring deficiencies due to early trapping of radicals. The model has the capability to take into account into several free‐radical polymerization mechanisms such as crosslinking, branching, and transfer reaction, and also to predict the onset of the sol–gel transition, and the effect of chemical composition on the transition point. It is shown that a better understanding of microstructure evolution during polymerization and chemical gelation is attained. Lastly, one important benefit of the model is to simulate very highly packed random chains or microgels within a polymer network.     

Modeling the Effects of Primary Radicals in Free‐Radical Polymerization

The effects of non‐ideal initiator decomposition, i.e., decomposition into two primary radicals of different reactivity toward the monomer, and of primary radical termination, on the kinetics of steady‐state free‐radical polymerization are considered. Analytical expressions for the exponent n in the power‐law dependence of polymerization rate on initiation rate are derived for these two situations. Theory predicts that n should be below the classical value of 1/2. In the case of non‐ideal initiator decomposition, n decreases with the size of the dimensionless parameter α ≡ (k_tz /k_dz) √r_ink_t, where k_tz is the termination rate coefficient for the reaction of a non‐propagating primary radical with a macroradical, k_dz is the first‐order decomposition rate coefficient of non‐propagating (passive) radicals, r_in is initiation rate, and k_t is the termination rate coefficient of two active radicals. In the case of primary radical termination, n decreases with the size of the dimensionless parameter β ≡ k_t,s r_in^1/2/k_p,s M r_t,l^1/2, where k_t,s is the termination rate coefficients for the reaction of a primary (“short”) radical with a macroradical, k_t,l is the termination rate coefficients of two large radicals, k_p,s is the propagation rate coefficient of primary radicals and M is monomer concentration. As k_t is deduced from coupled parameters such as k_t /k_p, the dependence of k_p on chain length is also briefly discussed. This dependence is particularly pronounced at small chain lengths. Moreover, effects of chain transfer to monomer on n are discussed.     

Calculation of Molecular Weight Distributions in Non‐Linear Free‐Radical Polymerization Using the Numerical Fractionation Technique

Mathematical Modeling of non‐linear polymerization systems subject to gel formation is a challenging endeavor. At the gel point, the second and higher molecular weight moments diverge to infinity making it impossible to obtain the molecular weight distribution (MWD). The numerical fractionation (NF) technique utilizes a refinement of the method of moments to model non‐linear polymerization systems that form gel. Since the method of moments yields results in terms of average quantities, some information is lost when reconstructing the MWD using NF. As a consequence, a broad shoulder appears at the high chain length end of the MWD tail. This study demonstrates that the validity of the gamma distribution deteriorates for the broader branched polymer generations and evaluates the performance of various alternative model distributions. Proper selection of the model distribution enhances the NF‐reconstructed MWD.     

Titanium(III)‐Catalyzed Reductive Decyanation of Geminal Dinitriles by a Non‐Free‐Radical Mechanism

A titanium‐catalyzed mono‐decyanation of geminal dinitriles is reported. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, tolerates numerous functional groups, and can be applied to quaternary malononitriles. A corresponding desulfonylation is demonstrated as well. Mechanistic experiments support a catalyst‐controlled cleavage without the formation of free radicals, which is in sharp contrast to traditional stoichiometric radical decyanations. The involvement of two Ti^III species in the C?C cleavage is proposed, and the beneficial role of added ZnCl₂ and 2,4,6‐collidine hydrochloride is investigated.     

Mechanically Initiated Bulk‐Scale Free‐Radical Polymerization

Mechanical initiation of polymerization offers the chance to generate polymers in new environments using an energy source with unique capabilities. Recently, a renewed interest in mechanically controlled polymerization has yielded many techniques for controlled radical polymerization by ultrasound. However, other types of polymerizations induced by mechanical activation are rare, especially for generating high‐molecular‐weight polymers. Herein is an example of using piezoelectric ZnO nanoparticles to generate free‐radical species that initiate chain‐growth polymerization and polymer crosslinking. The fast generation of high amounts of reactive radicals enable the formation of polymer/gel by ultrasound activation. This chemistry can be used to harness mechanical energy for constructive purposes in polymeric materials and for controlled polymerizations for bulk‐scale reactions.     

Kinetics of Bulk Free‐Radical Polymerization of Butyl Methacrylate Isomers Studied by Reaction Calorimetry

The kinetics of bulk free‐radical polymerizations of n‐butyl methacrylate (n‐BMA), iso‐butyl methacrylate (i‐BMA), and tert‐butyl methacrylate (t‐BMA) are studied by differential scanning calorimetry and with the aid of a mathematical model previously reported by the authors. In all the cases, the rate of polymerization (R_p) evolution curve exhibits a minimum at low conversions and the characteristic maximum of the autoacceleration effect. It is found that the monomer conversion x_min at which the minimum is observed, follows the order n‐BMA > i‐BMA > t‐BMA and that for monomer conversions (x) smaller than x_min, the termination rate coefficient (k_t) shows a plateau. According to the model results it is obtained that for x > x_min, the termination reaction is chemically controlled whereas for x > x_min, it is diffusion‐controlled and that the x_min values are related to the value of the termination rate coefficient of the chemical step (k_t0) of every isomer, which is highly influenced by the steric hindrance of the alkyl substituent group.     

Solvent Influence on Propagation Kinetics in Radical Polymerizations Studied by Pulsed Laser Initiated Polymerizations

The influence of the reaction medium (organic solvents, water, ionic liquids, supercritical CO₂) on the propagation rate in radical polymerizations has very different causes, e.g., hindered rotational modes, hydrogen bonding or electron pair donor/acceptor interactions. Depending on the origin of the solvent influence propagation rate coefficients, k_p, may be enhanced by up to an order of magnitude associated with changes in the pre‐exponential or the activation energy of k_p. In contrast, non‐specific interactions, size and steric effects lead to rather small changes in the vicinity of the radical chain end and are reflected by modest variations in k_p.

     

Experimental Requirements for an Efficient Control of Free‐Radical Polymerizations via the Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Process

Summary: Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is a recent and very versatile controlled radical polymerization technique that has enabled the synthesis of a wide range of macromolecules with well‐defined structures, compositions, and functionalities. The RAFT process is based on a reversible addition‐fragmentation reaction mediated by thiocarbonylthio compounds used as chain transfer agents (CTAs). A great variety of CTAs have been designed and synthesized so far with different kinds of substituents. In this review, all of the CTAs encountered in the literature from 1998 to date are reported and classified according to several criteria : i) the structure of their substituents, ii) the various monomers that they have been polymerized with, and iii) the type of polymerization that has been performed (solution, dispersed media, surface initiated, and copolymerization). Moreover, the influence of various parameters is discussed, especially the CTA structure relative to the monomer and the experimental conditions (temperature, pressure, initiation, CTA/initiator ratio, concentration), in order to optimise the kinetics and the efficiency of the molecular‐weight‐distribution control.

Schematic of the RAFT polymerization.     

Depolymerization of Free‐Radical Polymers with Spin Migrations

The mechanism of depolymerization is one of the most essential issues in chemical engineering and materials science. In this work, we investigate the depolymerization reactions of three typical free‐radical poly(alpha‐methylstyrene) tetramers by using first‐principles density functional theory. The calculated results show that these reactions all need to overcome the energy barriers in the range of 0.58 to 0.77 eV, and that breaking the C?C bond at the chain end leads to the dissociation of alpha‐methylstyrene monomers from the polymers. Electronic‐structure analysis indicates that the reactions occur easily at the CR₃ unsaturated end, and that the frontier molecular orbitals that participate in the reactions are mainly localized at the unsaturated ends. Meanwhile, spin population analysis presents the unique net spin‐transfer process in free‐radical depolymerization reactions. We hope the current findings can contribute to understanding the free‐radical depolymerization mechanism and help guide future experiments.     

Selenium‐Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Free‐Radical Scavenging

Heteroatom doping is an effective way to adjust the fluorescent properties of carbon quantum dots. However, selenium‐doped carbon dots have rarely been reported, even though selenium has unique chemical properties such as redox‐responsive properties owing to its special electronegativity. Herein, a facile and high‐output strategy to fabricate selenium‐doped carbon quantum dots (Se‐CQDs) with green fluorescence (quantum yield 7.6 %) is developed through the hydrothermal treatment of selenocystine under mild conditions. Selenium heteroatoms endow the Se‐CQDs with redox‐dependent reversible fluorescence. Furthermore, free radicals such as ^.OH can be effectively scavenged by the Se‐CQDs. Once Se‐CQDs are internalized into cells, harmful high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells are decreased. This property makes the Se‐CQDs capable of protecting biosystems from oxidative stress.     

Laser Single Pulse Initiated RAFT Polymerization for Assessing Chain‐Length Dependent Radical Termination Kinetics

Summary: A novel method combining RAFT polymerization with pulsed‐laser initiation for determining chain‐length dependent termination rate coefficients, k_t, is presented. Degenerative chain‐transfer in RAFT enables single‐pulse pulsed‐laser polymerization (SP‐PLP) traces to be measured on systems with a narrow radical distribution that remains essentially unchanged during the experiment. SP‐PLP‐RAFT experiments at different polymerization times allow for determining k_t as a function of chain length via classical kinetics assuming chain‐length independent k_t.

Single‐pulse pulsed‐laser polymerization trace for BMPT‐mediated RAFT polymerization of butyl acrylate.     

A Free‐Radical Prompted Barrierless Gas‐Phase Synthesis of Pentacene

A representative, low‐temperature gas‐phase reaction mechanism synthesizing polyacenes via ring annulation exemplified by the formation of pentacene (C₂₂H₁₄) along with its benzo[a]tetracene isomer (C₂₂H₁₄) is unraveled by probing the elementary reaction of the 2‐tetracenyl radical (C₁₈H₁₁^.) with vinylacetylene (C₄H₄). The pathway to pentacene—a prototype polyacene and a fundamental molecular building block in graphenes, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes—is facilitated by a barrierless, vinylacetylene mediated gas‐phase process thus disputing conventional hypotheses that synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) solely proceeds at elevated temperatures. This low‐temperature pathway can launch isomer‐selective routes to aromatic structures through submerged reaction barriers, resonantly stabilized free‐radical intermediates, and methodical ring annulation in deep space eventually changing our perception about the chemistry of carbon in our universe.     

Near‐Infrared Free‐Radical and Free‐Radical‐Promoted Cationic Photopolymerizations by In‐Source Lighting Using Upconverting Glass

A method is presented for the initiation of free‐radical and free‐radical‐promoted cationic photopolymerizations by in‐source lighting in the near‐infrared (NIR) region using upconverting glass (UCG). This approach utilizes laser irradiation of UCG at 975 nm in the presence of fluorescein (FL) and pentamethyldiethylene triamine (PMDETA). FL excited by light emitted from the UCG undergoes electron‐transfer reactions with PMDETA to form free radicals capable of initiating polymerization of methyl methacrylate. To execute the corresponding free‐radical‐promoted cationic polymerization of cyclohexene oxide, isobutyl vinyl ether, and N ‐vinyl carbazole, it was necessary to use FL, dimethyl aniline (DMA), and diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate as sensitizer, coinitiator, and oxidant, respectively. Iodonium ions promptly oxidize DMA radicals formed to the corresponding cations. Thus, cationic polymerization with efficiency comparable to the conventional irradiation source was achieved.     

SP‐PLP‐EPR—A Novel Method for Detailed Studies into the Termination Kinetics of Radical Polymerization

Single pulse–pulsed laser polymerization–electron paramagnetic resonance (SP‐PLP‐EPR) has been introduced as a powerful method for the very detailed analysis of termination kinetics. During polymerization an intense laser pulse is applied in order to almost instantaneously produce a burst of radicals. The decay of radical concentration is measured by highly time‐resolved EPR and is analyzed with respect to the rate coefficients for the termination of two radicals of identical size. SP‐PLP‐EPR experiments have been carried out for an itaconate monomer, for several methacrylates in bulk and in a solution of ionic liquids, for methacrylic acid in aqueous solution, and for the solution polymerization of butyl acrylate in toluene at low temperature. The data fully support the composite model, which assumes a stronger chain‐length dependence of termination for radicals of smaller size and a weaker one for large radicals. The SP‐PLP‐EPR technique is also applicable in systems with more than one type of growing radicals, as is the case with butyl acrylate polymerization at higher temperature and with RAFT polymerizations, where the novel method may be used for a comprehensive kinetic analysis.

     

The Nature of Crosslinking in N‐Vinylformamide Free‐Radical Polymerization

N‐Vinylformamide (NVF) free‐radical polymerization was found to form polymer gels at high conversions both in bulk and in solution. The polymerization was conducted at different temperatures, monomer and initiator concentrations to show the gelation conditions. Gel fractions and gel swelling ratios were also measured after separating the gel from the polymer samples. In order to confirm the crosslinking unit, a series of hydrolysis experiments were conducted on the gel samples. The hydrolysis results showed that the crosslinks in PNVF gels could be destroyed by alkaline hydrolysis. The most appropriate explanation to this fact is that crosslinking takes place via the amide group.