Synthesis and characterization of poly(vinyl amine)‐based amphiphilic comb‐like dextran glycopolymers by a two‐step method

Poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm)‐based amphiphilic glycopolymers were synthesized by a two‐step method, that is dextran molecules (Dex, M_w = 1500) were attached to the PVAm backbone by reacting amine groups with dextran lactone, and then, hexanoyl groups (Hex) were attached by reacting the PVAm free amine groups with N‐(hexanoyloxy)succinimide. By adjustment of the feed ratios of Dex/Hex, amphiphilic comb‐like glycopolymers with various hydrophilic and hydrophobic balances were prepared, and their structures were characterized by ¹H NMR. Surface activity of the amphiphilic glycopolymers at the air/water interface was demonstrated by reduction in water surface tension. Adsorption of the amphiphilic glycopolymers at the solid/water interface was examined on octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS)‐coated coverslips by water contact angle measurements. The results show that the amphiphilic glycopolymers need about 20 mol % of dextran attachment to make an effective hydrophilic coating. In comparison with the one‐step reaction by addition of dextran lactone and alkyl succinimide simultaneously, the two‐step approach can attach Dex on PVAm as high as possible in the first step, and offers quantitative advantages in controlling the ratio of hydrophilic and hydrophobic chains along the PVAm backbone, resulting in increased water solubility for the final amphiphilic glycopolymers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 192–199, 2006     

Poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate)‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes from surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerizations of N‐carboxylanhydride

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been functionalized with poly(γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamate) (PBLG) by ring‐opening polymerizations of γ‐benzyl‐L ‐glutamic acid‐based N‐carboxylanhydrides (NCA‐BLG) using amino‐functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT‐NH₂) as initiators. The SWCNT functionalization has been verified by FTIR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The FTIR study reveals that surface‐attached PBLGs adopt random‐coil conformations in contrast to the physically absorbed or bulk PBLGs, which exhibit α‐helical conformations. Raman spectroscopic analysis reveals a significant alteration of the electronic structure of SWCNTs as a result of PBLG functionalization. The PBLG‐functionalized SWCNTs (SWCNT‐PBLG) exhibit enhanced solubility in DMF. Stable DMF solutions of SWCNT‐PBLG/PBLG with a maximum SWCNTs concentration of 259 mg L^?1 can be readily obtained. SWCNT‐PBLG/PBLG solid composites have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide/small‐angle X‐ray scattering (W/SAXS), scanning electron microscopy, and polarized optical microscopy for their thermal or morphological properties. Microfibers containing SWCNT‐PBLG and PBLG can also be prepared via electrospinning. WAXS characterization reveals that SWCNTs are evenly distributed among PBLG rods in solution and in the solid state where PBLGs form a short‐range nematic phase interspersed with amorphous domains. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2340–2350, 2010     

2‐Nitro‐1,4‐diaminobenzene‐Functionalized Poly(vinyl amine)s as Water‐Soluble UV‐Vis‐Sensitive pH Sensors

Summary: Nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 2,6‐O‐dimethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐DMCD)‐complexed 4‐fluoro‐3‐nitroaniline derivatives with poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) in water results in 2‐nitro‐1,4‐benzenediamine‐functionalized water‐soluble PVAms in one step. The 2‐nitro‐1,4‐benzenediamine moiety linked to the polymer is solvatochromic and undergoes protonation and deprotonation as function of pH as shown by UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The occurrence of an isosbestic point in the UV‐Vis spectrum is suitable to directly determine the pK_a value using the Henderson‐Hasselbalch equation. The influence of the methyl group substitution of the polymer and the 2‐nitro‐1,4‐benzenediamine moiety on the pK_a is discussed.

Structure of the 4‐N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐nitro‐1,4‐benzenediamine‐functionalized PVAm and its solution in water at varying pH.     

Synthesis and properties of crosslinked polyvinylformamide and polyvinylamine hydrogels in conjunction with silica particles

Polyvinylamine hydrogels with silica particles encapsulated (PVAm/silica) were produced by a two‐step synthesis. In the first step, polyvinylformamide/silica (PVFA/silica) hybrids were synthesized from vinylformamide (VFA) and 1,3‐divinylimidazolidin‐2‐one (1,3‐bisvinylethyleneurea, BVU), as the crosslinker, by radical copolymerization in silica/water suspensions using different compositions of VFA/BVU. The target product PVAm/silica was obtained by acidic hydrolysis of the PVFA/silica hydrogels in a second step. The chemical structures of both hydrogels, PVFA/silica and PVAm/silica, respectively, were revealed by solid‐state ¹³C(¹H) cross‐polarity/magic‐angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. Both hydrogels swelled significantly in water. The swelling capacity of the two systems was characterized by the correlation length ξ (or hydrodynamic blob size) of the network meshes with small‐angle neutron scattering experiments. ξ is significantly larger for PVAm/silica than for PVFA/silica, which corresponds to the observed higher swelling capacity of this polyelectrolyte material. Furthermore, the swelling behavior of the hybrid hydrogels was quantitatively described in terms of free swell capacity, centrifuge‐retention capacity, adsorption against pressure, and free swell rate as compared with values of the corresponding copolymer hydrogels. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 3144–3152, 2002     

Nucleophilic Substitution of 4‐Fluoronitrobenzene with Polyvinylamine in Water Mediated by Cyclodextrins

Polyvinylamine (PVAm) can be readily functionalized by means of a nucleophilic substitution reaction with 4‐fluoro‐substituted aromatic compounds having a substituent with negative mesomeric effect in ortho and/or para position. PVAm is soluble in water only in which aromatic fluoro compounds are usually sparingly soluble. However, the solubility of aromatic compounds in water can be mediated in particular by cyclodextrin derivatives. This first report on the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 4‐fluoronitrobenzene with PVAm provides an elegant method towards the preparation of chromophoric water‐soluble polymers by means of a one‐pot procedure.     

Synthesis and characterization of alkylated N‐vinylformamide monomers and their polymers

N‐alkyl‐N‐vinylformamide monomers (alkyl: n‐butyl, hexyl, decyl, and dodecyl) are synthesized in two steps: first, preparation of N‐vinylformamide potassium salt by the reaction of N‐vinylformamide (NVF) with potassium t‐butoxide, then reaction with alkyl bromide. All four monomers are liquid and are characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and mass spectra. They exist as rotomers in solution and a 2D NOE experiment on the N‐hexyl containing polymer shows the E isomer to be favored. The polymerizability of the four monomers is from good to fair, depending upon the length of alkyl chain on the N‐atom‐‐the longer the chain length, the lower lower the polymerizability of monomer. The hydrolysis of poly(N‐hexyl‐N‐vinylformamide) and poly(N‐dodecyl‐N‐vinylformamide) under acidic and basic conditions was examined. Studies show that hydrolytic cleavage of formyl groups of poly (N‐alkylated‐N‐vinylformamide) depends on the hydrophobicity of the alkyl substituent on the N‐atom under acidic conditions; both polymers were hydrolyzed to only a minor extent under alkaline conditions. The N‐alkylated monomers can copolymerize with NVF and demonstrate amphiphilic properties. The copolymers demonstrate a critical aggregation concentration above which they can solubilize a water insoluble dye; the N‐hexyl containing copolymer stabilizes a castor oil‐in‐water emulsion. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4994–5004, 2004     

Radical polymerization of novel N‐substituted‐N‐vinylformamide derivatives with bulky chiral substitutents

A series of novel N‐substituted‐N‐vinylformamides were synthesized, and the effect of bulky substituents on their radical polymerizability and polymer structure were investigated. N‐(p‐Methoxybenzyl)‐N‐vinylformamide ( 3 ) and N‐cyclohexylmethyl‐N‐vinylformamide ( 4 ) generated polymers, while it was known that their N‐vinylacetamide derivatives did not. ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR analyses of poly( 3 ), however, revealed almost no difference among the various polymerization conditions, implying that the substituent bulkiness did not influence the polymer structures. On the other hand, the chiral polymers, which were obtained by the radical polymerization of N‐(S)‐2‐methylbutyl‐N‐vinylformamide ((S)‐ 5 ) and N‐(S)‐2,3‐dihydroxypropyl‐N‐vinylformamide ((S)‐ 7 ) at 0 °C, showed sharper spectral patterns than those obtained at higher polymerization temperatures. Furthermore, the intensities of their positive cotton effects on circular dichroism increased when the polymerization temperature was low, suggesting that the substituent bulkiness of (S)‐ 5 and (S)‐ 7 influenced the polymer structures, such as their stereoregularity and regioregularity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

C−H Acetoxylation‐Based Chemical Synthesis of 17 β‐Hydroxymethyl‐17 α‐methyl‐18‐norandrost‐13‐ene Steroids

Palladium‐catalyzed C?H acetoxylation has been proposed as a key transformation in the first chemical synthesis of steroids bearing a unique 17β‐hydroxymethyl‐17α‐methyl‐18‐nor‐13‐ene D ‐fragment. This C?H functionalization step was crucial for inverting the configuration at the quaternary stereocenter of a readily available synthetic intermediate. The developed approach was applied to prepare the metandienone metabolite needed as a reference substance in anti‐doping analysis to control the abuse of this androgenic anabolic steroid.     

2,4‐Dinitrophenol‐Catalyzed α‐C(sp3)−H and C(sp)−H Bond Functionalization of Cyclic Amines and Alkynes: Highly Regio‐/Diastereoselective Synthesis of α‐Alkynyl‐3‐Amino‐2‐Oxindoles

A transition‐metal‐ and oxidant‐free DNP (2,4‐dinitrophenol)‐catalyzed atom‐economical regio‐ and diastereoselective synthesis of monofunctionalized α‐alkynyl‐3‐amino‐2‐oxindole derivatives by C?H bond functionalization of cyclic amines and alkynes with indoline‐2,3‐diones has been developed. This cascade event sequentially involves the reductive amination of indoline‐2,3‐dione by imine formation and cross coupling between C(sp³)?H and C(sp)?H of the cyclic amines and alkynes. This reaction offers an efficient and attractive pathway to different types of α‐alkynyl‐3‐amino‐2‐oxindole derivatives in good yields with a wide tolerance of functional groups. The salient feature of this methodology is that it completely suppresses the homocoupling of alkynes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a DNP‐catalyzed metal‐free direct C(sp³)?H and C(sp)?H bond functionalization providing biologically active α‐alkynyl‐3‐amino‐2‐oxindole scaffolds.     

Visible‐Light‐Mediated Addition of α‐Aminoalkyl Radicals to [60]Fullerene by Using Photoredox Catalysts

The functionalization of fullerene has been extensively studied and various fullerene derivatives have been synthesized. We have succeeded in the functionalization of [60]fullerene by using α‐aminoalkyl radicals generated by visible‐light‐mediated single‐electron oxidation of α‐silylamines as synthetic intermediates. In these reactions, the introduction of diarylamino groups, which are useful electron donors, has been easily achieved.     

Redox‐Neutral α,β‐Difunctionalization of Cyclic Amines

In contrast to the continuously growing number of methods that allow for the efficient α‐functionalization of amines, few strategies exist that enable the direct functionalization of amines in the β‐position. A general redox‐neutral strategy is outlined for amine β‐functionalization and α,β‐difunctionalization that utilizes enamines generated in situ. This concept is demonstrated in the context of preparing polycyclic N,O‐acetals from simple 1‐(aminomethyl)‐β‐naphthols and 2‐(aminomethyl)‐phenols.     

Tetrazine Click Chemistry for the Modification of 1‐Hydroxy‐1,1‐methylenebisphosphonic Acids: Towards Bio‐orthogonal Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles

Inverse electron demand Diels–Alder (iEDDA) was evaluated for the functionalization of gold nanoparticles. The reaction was first modelled with the free coating molecule 1‐hydroxy‐1,1‐methylenebisphosphonate bearing an alkene functionality (HMBPene). A model tetrazine 3,6‐dipyridin‐2‐yl‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazine (pyTz) was used, kinetic of the reaction was calculated and coupling products were analysed by NMR and HRMS. The reaction was then transposed at the nanoparticle surface. Gold nanoparticles bearing an alkene functionality were obtained using a one‐pot methodology with HMBPene and the tetrazine click chemistry was evaluated at their surface using pyTz. The successful coupling was assessed by XPS measurements. This click‐methodology was extended to the conjugation of a NIR probe at the NP surface.     

Modification of carboxyl‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes with biocompatible,water‐soluble phosphorylcholine and sugar‐based polymers: Bioinspired nanorods

We report here the successful functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes with bioinspired sugar and phosphocholine polymeric structures via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The surface‐polymer‐coated carbon nanotubes have been systematically analyzed by Raman, infrared, ultraviolet–visible, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, which give strong evidence of successful functionalization. The successful aqueous dispersion of the functionalized carbon nanotubes also indicates that functionalization has been achieved. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6558–6568, 2006     

1,3‐Dehydro‐o‐Carborane: Generation and Reaction with Arenes

Like the importance of benzyne, witnessed in modern arene chemistry for decades, 1,2‐dehydro‐o‐carborane (o‐carboryne), a three‐dimensional relative of benzyne, has been used as a synthon for generating a wide range of cage, carbon‐functionalized carboranes over the past 20 years. However, the selective B functionalization of the cage still represents a challenging task. Disclosed herein is the first example of 1,3‐dehydro‐o‐carborane featuring a cage C? B bond having multiple bonding characters, and is successfully generated by treatment of 3‐diazonium‐o‐carborane tetrafluoroborate with non‐nucleophilic bases. This presents a new methodology for simultaneous functionalization of both cage carbon and boron vertices.     

BF2‐Chelate Complexes of 6‐(4‐Iodophenyl)‐2,3,4,8,9,10‐hexamethyldipyrrin and 2‐(4‐Iodobenzoyl)‐3,4,5‐trimethylpyrrole: Fluorescent Dyes with a Chemical Anchor Group

The one‐pot condensation/coordination reaction of 4‐iodobenzoylchloride, 2,3,4‐trimethylpyrrole and BF₃ × Et₂O yields the BF₂ chelate complexes of the 1:1 condensation product 2‐(4‐iodobenzoyl)‐3,4,5‐trimethylpyrrole and of the 1:2 product 6‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐2,3,4,8,9,10‐hexamethyldipyrrin, as separable compounds in 6 and 38 % yield, respectively. Both new boron derivatives are fluorescent already upon exitation with ambient light. While the fluorescence quantum yield of the benzoyl derivative is very low, this value is significantly higher for the related boron dipyrrin (BODIPY) derivative. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies of both compounds reveal that the reason for these deviating physical properties are structural in nature. For the BODIPY an essentially flat structure of the fluorophor has been established, in addition to restricted rotation of the 4‐iodophenyl substituent, so that no conformational dynamic facilitates radiationless deactivations. The 1:1 condensation product on the other hand allows a fast equilibration of the photophysical exitation by dynamic processes and therefore exhibits a low fluorescence quantum yield. Both luminophores contain an iodoaryl moiety with potential uses for further functionalization and bioconjugation.     

Metal‐ and Reagent‐Free Dehydrogenative Formal Benzyl–Aryl Cross‐Coupling by Anodic Activation in 1,1,1,3,3,3‐Hexafluoropropan‐2‐ol

A selective dehydrogenative electrochemical functionalization of benzylic positions that employs 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoropropan‐2‐ol (HFIP) has been developed. The electrogenerated products are versatile intermediates for subsequent functionalizations as they act as masked benzylic cations that can be easily activated. Herein, we report a sustainable, scalable, and reagent‐ and metal‐free dehydrogenative formal benzyl–aryl cross‐coupling. Liberation of the benzylic cation was accomplished through the use of acid. Valuable diarylmethanes are accessible in the presence of aromatic nucleophiles. The direct application of electricity enables a safe and environmentally benign chemical transformation as oxidizers are replaced by electrons. A broad variety of different substrates and nucleophiles can be employed.     

Highly para‐Selective C−H Alkylation of Benzene Derivatives with 2,2,2‐Trifluoroethyl α‐Aryl‐α‐Diazoesters

Compared to the most popular directing‐group‐assisted strategy, the “undirected” strategy for C−H bond functionalization represents a more flexible but more challenging approach. Reported herein is a gold‐catalyzed highly site‐selective C(sp²)−H alkylation of unactivated arenes with 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl α‐aryl‐α‐diazoesters. This protocol demonstrates that high site‐selective C−H bond functionalization can be achieved without the assistance of a directing group. In this transformation, both the gold catalyst and trifluoroethyl group on the ester of the diazo compound play vital roles for achieving the chemo‐ and regioselectivity.     

Synthesis of Well‐Defined Amphiphilic Core–Shell Particles Containing Amine‐Rich Shells

A new route to synthesize amphiphilic core–shell particles that consist of well‐defined hydrophobic polymer cores and poly(vinylamine) (PVAm) shells has been developed. The PVAm was treated with a small amount of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide to generate free radicals that subsequently initiated both graft‐ and homo‐polymerization of vinyl monomer such as n‐butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and styrene. Stable particles in the range from 100 to 250 nm in diameter with very narrow size distributions (polydispersity index between 1.08 and 1.15) were produced in high yields. TEM images of the particles revealed that they had well‐defined core–shell nanostructures with thick and hairy PVAm shells. The structures of the vinyl monomer and water‐soluble polymer were found to strongly influence the formation of particles and their sizes.

     

Guest‐Responsive Function of a Dynamic Metal–Organic Framework with a π Lewis Acidic Pore Surface

A 3D dynamic coordination framework with an electron‐deficient pore surface has been synthesized by using Zn^II (having a variable coordination number) and a predesigned flexible π‐electron‐deficient core‐based ligand, exhibiting chemical separations based on pore surface functionalization (π Lewis acidic pore surfaces and open metal sites) and framework flexibility, giving rise to a unique smart guest‐responsive material.     

Well‐controlled ATRP of 2‐(2‐(2‐azidoethyoxy)ethoxy)ethyl methacrylate for high‐density click functionalization of polymers and metallic substrates

The combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and click chemistry has created unprecedented opportunities for controlled syntheses of functional polymers. ATRP of azido‐bearing methacrylate monomers (e.g., 2‐(2‐(2‐azidoethyoxy)ethoxy)ethyl methacrylate, AzTEGMA), however, proceeded with poor control at commonly adopted temperature of 50 °C, resulting in significant side reactions. By lowering reaction temperature and monomer concentrations, well‐defined pAzTEGMA with significantly reduced polydispersity were prepared within a reasonable timeframe. Upon subsequent functionalization of the side chains of pAzTEGMA via Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry, functional polymers with number‐average molecular weights (M_n) up to 22 kDa with narrow polydispersity (PDI < 1.30) were obtained. Applying the optimized polymerization condition, we also grafted pAzTEGMA brushes from Ti6Al4 substrates by surface‐initiated ATRP (SI‐ATRP), and effectively functionalized the azide‐terminated side chains with hydrophobic and hydrophilic alkynes by CuAAC. The well‐controlled ATRP of azido‐bearing methacrylates and subsequent facile high‐density functionalization of the side chains of the polymethacrylates via CuAAC offers a useful tool for engineering functional polymers or surfaces for diverse applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 1268–1277