Synthesis and clustering of supramolecular “graft” polymers

The synthesis and melt rheology of supramolecular poly(isobutylene) polymers bearing statistically distributed hydrogen‐bonding moieties is reported, aiming at understanding the formation of the underlying supramolecular networks for self‐healing polymers. Two different hydrogen bonds were incorporated into a poly(isobutylene) (PIB) copolymer, one based on a (weak) pyridinium/pyridine interaction, the other based on a (stronger) 2,6‐diaminotriazine/thymine interaction. A direct copolymerization based on living cationic polymerization of isobutene and the comonomers 1 , 2 , and 4 in amounts of 1 mol % lead to the copolymers PIB‐ 1 , PIB‐ 2 , and PIB‐ 4 with a content of ～1 mol % of comonomer and molecular weights ranging from ～2000 to 19,000 g mol^?1 (M_w/M_n ～ 1.2–1.5). Subsequent azide/alkyne “click” chemistry enabled the attachment of 2,6‐diaminotriazine‐ and thymine‐moieties to yield the copolymers PIB‐ 5 , PIB‐ 6 , and PIB‐ 7 . Proof of the statistical incorporation of ～1 mol % of hydrogen‐bonding moieties was achieved by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization measurements. The true presence of a supramolecular network in PIB‐ 1 (pyridinium/pyridine interaction) as well as with 1/1 blends of PIBs interacting via the 2,6‐diaminotriazine/thymine interaction (PIB‐ 5 /PIB‐ 6 ) was proven via the increasing plateau modulus with increasing molecular weights (5.5k, 9.9k, 12.4k, 16k, and 19k). Dynamics of the hydrogen bonds in the melt state was investigated by determining the effective cluster lifetime ( τ ) observing a clear difference in the (weaker) pyridinium/pyridine interaction ( τ ～ 1 s) to the 2,6‐ (stronger) diamintriazine/thymine interaction ( τ ～ 100 s). The so‐generated materials will be useful as a basis for self‐healing polymers, as dynamics plays a major role in such polymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Hydrophobic “pocket” on photosynthesizing membrane near photosystem II

Studies concerning the effect of 2-alkyl pyridine N-oxides with different substituents on electron transfer, phosphorylation, and light-dependent proton transport in photosynthesizing membranes of chloroplasts were conducted. It is determined that 2-alkyl pyridine N-oxides with short alkyl chains stimulate the Hill reaction and light-dependent proton transport inside chloroplasts. Compounds having alkyl residues with 6-10 carbon atoms in the chain inhibit electron transport, ADP phosphorylation, and reduction of ferrocyanide in thylakoids. A conclusion is drawn on the presence of the hydrophobic “pocket,” which is of importance for organization of the electron-transport chain of chloroplasts, near photosystem II.     

Dendronized polymers via Diels–Alder “click” reaction

A modular approach toward the synthesis of polymers containing dendron groups as side chains is developed using the Diels–Alder “click” reaction. For this purpose, a styrene‐based polymer appended with anthracene groups as reactive side chains was synthesized. First through third‐generation polyester dendrons containing furan‐protected maleimide groups at their focal point were synthesized. Facile, reagent‐free, thermal Diels–Alder cycloaddition between the anthracene‐containing polymer and latent‐reactive dendrons leads to quantitative functionalization of the polymer chains to afford dendronized polymers. The efficiency of this functionalization step was monitored using ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and FTIR and UV–vis spectrometry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 410–416, 2010     

“Click” generation of a conjugated polymer library for SWNT dispersion

Noncovalent functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with conjugated polymers enhances SWNT processability and allows for selective dispersion of various SWNT species. Selective dispersions can be obtained by tuning the nature of the polymer, which can involve using various polymer backbones or side‐chains. However, a clear understanding of selectivity determinants is elusive, as the degree of polymerization (DP) has a large effect on SWNT selectivity. Additionally, preparing libraries of conjugated polymers with varying functionality while keeping DP consistent is difficult. Here, we report the utilization of a strained cyclooctyne‐containing conjugated polymer that serves as a versatile scaffold, enabling systematic preparation of a small library of conjugated polymers with different side‐chain functionality, while maintaining a consistent DP. The resulting polymers were used as dispersants for SWNTs, forming supramolecular polymer‐SWNT complexes that were characterized by UV‐Vis‐NIR absorption and Raman spectroscopy. In the series of polymers, we were able to probe the effect of small changes within the side chains, such as the incorporation of a carbonyl group or an aromatic unit, on the quality of the polymer‐SWNT dispersion. The results of these studies provide new insight into the factors that dictate the ability of a polymer to form strong interactions with SWNTs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 2053–2058     

“Monte Carlo kinetics” for the simulation of photoreactions in polymers

We present a new method for describing photokinetics in the liquid crystalline or amorphous glassy state of polymers. A stochastic model has been developed in order to simulate the ordering process in azo side chain polymers which is induced by photoselective isomerization cycles. The dependence of the reorientation process on photochemical and thermal transition rate constants as well as the influence of matrix rigidity and cooperative interactions between the side chains is explained. With additional information about the molecular polarizabilities, the optical properties of the system, e.g. the evolution of birefringence, can be evaluated directly by this method.     

Quantum chemical predictions concerning two unknown “mesoionic” compounds

The Pariser-Parr-Pople approximation was used to predict the properties of compounds I, 3-oxo-2H-1,2,3-triazolo[3,4-a]pyridine, and II, 3-oxoisoxazolo[2,3-a]pyridine, originated by joining a pyridine ring to two sydnone-like heterocyclic systems not yet reported in the literature. A parallel computation was carried out for two known compounds of similar structure, to give the predictions a better reliability through the comparison with observed spectral data and chemical behaviour. Compound I is expected to be stable, with an absorption spectrum similar to III, 2-oxo-1,3,4-oxadiazolo[4,5-a]pyridine, and chemical properties analogous to IV, 1-methyl-3-oxo-1,2,4-triazolo-[4,3-a]pyridine. A reaction path is suggested for obtaining from I the unknown isomeric structure V, 3-oxo-1H-1,2,3-triazolo[3,4-a]pyridine. Compound II is predicted as an unstable orange-red substance which should be handled and kept at low temperatures.     

Soluble blue light emitting pyridine-containing polymers prepared by oxidative-coupling copolymerization

Novel polymers containing pyridine moieties in main chains have been prepared by facile oxidative-coupling co-polymerization of pyridine N-oxide with N-alkyl carbazole and fluorene as the precursor polymers, which were reduced to the pyridine-containing polymers respectively. The polymers were characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, UV-Vis, X-ray, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The pyridine-containing polymers good solubility in convenient organic solvents, high thermal stability with the onset decomposition temperature above 310 °C. The electrochemical behaviors of the polymers were investigated by cyclic voltammetry; the HOMO and LUMO energy level of the polymers were estimated from the electrochemistry and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The fluorescence spectra of the pyridine-containing polymers display blue light emitting properties in both solution and solid-state film.     

Synthesis and properties of novel aromatic polyamides based on “multi-ring” flexible dicarboxylic acids

The five benzene rings-containing (hereafter referred to as “five-ring”) dicarboxylic acids α,α′-bis[4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1,4-diisopropylbenzene (p- III ) and α,α′-bis[4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phenyl]-1,3-diisopropylbenzene (m- III ) were prepared by the fluoro-displacement of α,α′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-diisopropylbenzene and α,α′-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-diisopropylbenzene with p-fluorobenzonitrile, and subsequent alkaline hydrolysis of the intermediate dinitriles. A number of high-molecular-weight polyamides based on these two “five-ring” dicarboxylic acids (p- III and m- III ) and various aromatic diamines were directly synthesized in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) containing lithium chloride (LiCl) or calcium chloride (CaCl₂) using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. These polyamides were obtained with inherent viscosities above 0.51 and up to 0.91 dL/g. The weight-average molecular weight were in the range of 51,000–211,000. Most of these polyamides were amorphous and readily soluble in polar solvents such as NMP, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and afforded tough, flexible, and transparent films by solution-casting. The films had tensile strength of 50–83 MPa, elongation to break of 4–8%, and tensile modulus of 1.3–2.0 GPa. Most polyamides showed distinct glass transitions on the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves ranging from 147 to 177°C. In nitrogen or air, all the polymers showed no significant weight loss up to 490°C, as indicated by thermogravimetric analysis (TG). © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Glycosyl‐Templated Chiral Helix Stapling of Ethynylpyridine Oligomers by Alkene Metathesis between Inter‐Pitch Side Chains

Ethynylpyridine polymers and oligomers consisting of 4‐substituted pyridine rings linked by acetylene bonds at the 2‐ and 6‐positions have been investigated. Ethynylpyridine oligomers covalently linked with a glycosyl chiral template form chiral helical complexes by intramolecular hydrogen bonding, in which the chirality of the template is translated to the helix. With a view to fixation of the chiral architecture, D /L ‐galactosyl‐ and D /L ‐mannosyl‐linked ethynylpyridine oligomers have been developed with 4‐(3‐butenyloxy)pyridine units having alkene side chains. The helical structures are successfully stapled by alkene metathesis of the side chains. Subsequent removal of the chiral templates by acidolysis produces template‐free stapled oligomers. The chiral, template‐free, stapled oligomers show chiral helicity, which is resistant to polar solvents and heating.     

Detection and Identification of Alkylating Agents by Using a Bioinspired “Chemical Nose”

Alkylating agents are simple and reactive molecules that are commonly used in many and diverse fields such as organic synthesis, medicine, and agriculture. Some highly reactive alkylating species are also being used as blister chemical‐warfare agents. The detection and identification of alkylating agents is not a trivial issue because of their high reactivity and simple structure. Herein, we report on a new multispot luminescence‐based approach to the detection and identification of alkylating agents. In order to demonstrate the potential of the approach, seven π‐conjugated oligomers and polymers bearing nucleophilic pyridine groups, 1 – 7 , were adsorbed onto a solid support and exposed to vapors of alkylators 8 – 15 . The alkylation‐induced color‐shift patterns of the seven‐spot array allow clear discrimination of the different alkylators. The spots are sensitive to minute concentrations of alkylators and, because the detection is based on the formation of new covalent bonds, these spots saturate at about 50 ppb.     

SYNTHESIS OF NEW AROMATIC POLY（AMIDE IMIDE）S FROM UNSYMMETRICAL EXTENDED DIAMINE CONTAINING A PHTHALAZINONE MOIETY

The direct polymerization of an unsymmetrical kink non-coplanar heterocyclic diamine (1) with various aromatic bis(trimellitimide)s (2a-e) using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents could generate a series of new aromatic poly(amide imide)s (3a-e) containing the kink non-coplanar phthalazinone heterocyclic units in the polymer main chains with inherent viscosities of 0.58-0.66 dL/g. The polymers are readily soluble in a variety of solvents such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, pyridine and m-cresol and can be cast to form flexible and tough films. The glass transition temperatures of polymers (T8) are in the range of 301-327℃, and the temperatures for 5% weight loss in nitrogen are in the range of 498-521℃.     

Macromolecular brushes synthesized by “grafting from” approach based on “click chemistry” and RAFT polymerization

Well‐defined macromolecular brushes with poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) side chains on random copolymer backbones were synthesized by “grafting from” approach based on click chemistry and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. To prepare macromolecular brushes, two linear random copolymers of 2‐(trimethylsilyloxy)ethyl methacrylate (HEMA‐TMS) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) (poly(MMA‐co‐HEMA‐TMS)) were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization and were subsequently derivated to azide‐containing polymers. Novel alkyne‐terminated RAFT chain transfer agent (CTA) was grafted to polymer backbones by copper‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (azide‐alkyne click chemistry), and macro‐RAFT CTAs were obtained. PNIPAM side chains were prepared by RAFT polymerization. The macromolecular brushes have well‐defined structures, controlled molecular weights, and molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n ≦ 1.23). The RAFT polymerization of NIPAM exhibited pseudo‐first‐order kinetics and a linear molecular weight dependence on monomer conversion, and no detectable termination was observed in the polymerization. The macromolecular brushes can self‐assemble into micelles in aqueous solution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 443–453, 2010     

Novel aromatic polyhydrazides and poly(amide-hydrazide)s based on “multiring” flexible dicarboxylic acids

Two flexible dicarboxylic acid monomers, 4,4′-[isopropylidenebis(1,4-phenylene)dioxy]dibenzoic acid ( 1 ) and 4,4′-[hexafluoroisopropylidenebis(1,4-phenylene)-dioxy]dibenzoic acid ( 3 ), were synthesized from readily available compounds in two steps in high yields. High molecular-weight polyhydrazides and poly(amide-hydra-zide)s were directly prepared from dicarboxylic acids 1 and 3 with terephthalic dihydrazide ( 5 ), isophthalic dihydrazide ( 6 ), and p-aminobenzhydrazide ( 7 ) by the phosphorylation reaction by means of diphenyl phosphite (DPP) and pyridine in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)/LiCl, or prepared from the diacyl chlorides of 1 and 3 with the hydrazide monomers 5–7 by the low-temperature solution polycondensation in NMP/LiCl. Less favorable results were obtained when using triphenyl phosphite (TPP) instead of DPP in the direct polycondensation reactions. Except for those derived from terephthalic dihydrazide, the resulting polyhydrazides and poly(amide-hydrazide)s could be cast into colorless, flexible, and tough films with good tensile strengths. All the hydrazide polymers and copolymers are amorphous in nature and are readily soluble in various polar solvents such as NMP and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Their T_gs were recorded in the range of 162–198°C and could be thermally cyclodehydrated into the corresponding polyoxadiazoles and poly(amide-oxadiazole)s approximately in the region of 300–380°C, as evidenced by the DSC thermograms. The oxadiazole polymers and copolymers showed a dramatically decreased solubility and higher T_g when compared to their respective hydrazide prepolymers. They exhibited T_gs of 190–216°C and were stable up to 450°C in air or nitrogen. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1847–1854, 1998     

Thermoresponsive Dendronized Polyprolines via the “Grafting to” Route

The first and second generations of dendronized polyprolines P3G1 , P3G2, and P4G1 are prepared via the “grafting to” route, and their thermoresponsive properties and helical conformations investigated. High molar masses of polyproline main chains carrying azido groups are achieved first by polycondensation of peptide precursors through activated ester strategy. Oligoethylene glycol dendrons cored with alkyne are then attached onto the main chains through click reaction. These polymers are found to be thermoresponsive. Circular dichroism spectroscopy investigation indicates, in contrast to P3G2 and P4G1 which adopt the expected PPII conformation in aqueous conditions, P3G1 prefers to adopt PPI helical conformation, and this conformation is stable within the measured time period and temperature range.

     

Polyamides with pendant 1,3,4-oxadiazole and pyridine moieties

A novel aromatic diamine,2-（5-（3,5-diaminophenyl）-l,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl）pyridine（POBD）,containing a pyridine ring and a 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety,was synthesized.It was used in a polycondensation with various aromatic and aliphatic diacid chlorides to generate a series of new aromatic polyamides with pendant 1,3,4-oxadiazole groups.The prepared polyamides were characterized by IR,elemental analysis and through the synthesis of model compounds.Thermophysical properties of the synthesized polyamides have been studied by DSC,TGA and inherent viscosity measurements. Relatively high inherent viscosity values（0.76-1.62 dL/g,in 0.125%H₂SO₄ at 25℃） were observed for these compounds. Number average molecular weight（M_n） of the polymers was measured by vapor phase osmometry（VPO）.The introduction of bulky side chains in the structure of aromatic polyamides led to increased solubility of these polymers in common polar and aprotic solvents,such as DMF,DMSO,NMP and DMAc,which allowed thin films to be cast from polymer solutions. The highest molecular weight（M_n = 51190） was observed for polymer（DC）,which was prepared from pyridine-2,6-dichlorocarbonyl.     

Synthesis and characterization of optically active polyamides based on 2-(1,3-isoindolinedione-2-yl)glutaric acid by direct polycondensation

<正>Five new optically active polyamides(PAs) 6a-6e were prepared by direct polycondensation reaction of 2-(1,3- isoindolinedione-2-yl)-glutaric acid 4 as a new chiral diacid with various aromatic diamines 5a-5e in a medium consisting of triphenyl phosphite(TPP),calcium chloride,pyridine(Py) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone(NMP).The polycondensation reaction produced a series of polyamids 6a-6e in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities of 0.26-0.39 dL/g.The resulting polymers were fully characterized by means of ~1H-NMR,FT-IR spectroscopy,elemental analysis,inherent viscosity and specific rotation.Thermal properties of these polymers were investigated using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal gravimetry(DTG).Phthalimide rings as a bulky pendent group in the polymer chains disturb the interchain and intrachain interactions and make these PAs readily soluble in polar,aprotic solvents such as N,N-dimethyl acetamide(DMAc),N,N-dimethyl formamide(DMF),dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO),N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone(NMP) and sulfuric acid.     

Helical, nonracemic inorganic-organic hybrid polymers of cadmium halides with pentadentate bis(oxazoline) ligands

A chiral, nonracemic pentadentate pyridine bis(oxazoline) ligand forms unprecedented P-helical inorganic-organic hybrid polymers with cadmium halides. The one-dimensional chains consist of Lambda2-configured pentagonal-bipyramidal cadmium complexes with metal-centered chirality bridged by [CdX4]2- tetrahedra via shared halide atoms. In the solid state, the overall helicity exhibits strongly directed orientation parallel to the crystallographic axis a.     

A new kind of “thiophilic” electron-donor-acceptor adsorbent

Four simple agarose derivatives have been synthesized: 3-(Z-pyridylsulfido)-2-hydroxypropyl- 3-(2-pyridyloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl- 3-(phenylsulfido)-2-hydroxypropyl-, and 3-(phenyloxy)-2-hydroxypropylagarose. Their affinities for serum proteins have been studied in the presence and absence of water-structuring salt. About 50% of the proteins, among them immunoglobulins and α₂-macroglobulin, but not albumin, were non-covalently adsorbed to the PyS-gel in buffer containing 0.5 M K₂SO₄. These proteins are the same as those adsorbed to the so-called thiophilic gel, T-gel (5), but there are some additional proteins found in the adsorbate that strongly indicate a specific influence on the protein adsorption exerted by the π-electron system of the pyridine residue. The thio-ether sulfur appears to be a necessary structural requirement for the characteristic adsorption behaviour. Thiophilic vs. hydrophobic ligand-protein interaction is discussed.     

Electrical properties of multilayers from low- and high-molecular-weight polyelectrolytes

The formation of stable multilayer films by using as constituents sodium poly(4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (PVP) was studied by electrooptics. A strong increase in basicity of the pyridine rings in the electrical field of the oppositely charged PSS chains was suggested to be the driving force for multilayer film formation. A linear increase in the film thickness was registered after deposition of the first three layers, with no dependence on the polyelectrolyte molecular weight. The electrooptical effect was found to increase with increasing area of each next layer, but depended on the molecular weights of both polymers. Polarization of "condensed" counterions along the chains of the last-adsorbed layer was suggested to explain this dependence. Following the counterion dynamics, we come to the conclusion that the electrical properties of the top layer govern the electrooptical behavior of the PSS/PVP film.     

Synthesis of a polyurea from a glucose‐ or mannose‐containing N‐alkyl urea peptoid oligomer

N‐alkyl urea peptoid oligomers containing glucose or mannose have been synthesized and characterized. The oligomers were subsequently polymerized using a step‐growth polymerization with hexamethylene diisocyanate. Equal moles of both monomers were used to guarantee high‐molecular weight polymers. The polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements of solvent cast thin films. Sulfation of the final polymers was achieved using a SO₃/pyridine complex in pyridine to afford the heparin biomimetics. The average degree of sulfation was calculated to be 3.5 sulfates per saccharide as measured by elemental analysis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013 , 51, 5230–5238