Initiation Mechanism of Alternating Copolymerization of Styrene with Some Electron-Accepting Monomers in the Presence of Zinc Chloride by Means of Spin Trapping Technique

Abstract

The initiation mechanism of spontaneous alternating copolymerizations of styrene (St) and some electron-accepting monomers such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), methyl acrylate (MA), methacrylonitrile (MAN), and acrylonitrile (AN) in the presence of ZnCl₂ was studied by the spin trapping technique, in which 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane (BNO) was used as a spin trapping reagent. When this technique was applied to the alternating copolymerization systems of St-MMA-ZnCl₂, St-MA-ZnCl₂, and St-MAN-ZnCl₂, the 2-phenylvinyl radical (·CH[dbnd]CH[sbnd]C₆H₅) was trapped as nitroxide. The structure of this nitroxide, which showed a large coupling constant (19～20 G) by β-hydrogen, was confirmed by comparison with the result of authentic experiment Accordingly it was concluded that this nitroxide was formed through proton migration from the St cation radical to the acceptor monomer anion radical in the charge- or electron-transfer complex, followed by reaction with BNO.

In the St-AN-ZnCl₂ system, however, a nitroxide derived from a cyclic radical was observed together with the nitroxide from 2-phenylvinyl radical. This cyclic radical seemed to be produced via the Diels-Alder adduct between St and AN.     

The NMR Spectra of Styrene-Itaconate Ester Copolymers Obtained by Free Radical Mechanism

Styrene copolymerized with dimethyl itaconate and with methyl benzyl itaconate by use of a free radical initiator.

Monomer reactivity ratios for styrene (M₁)-dimethyl itaconate (M₂) co-polymerization were r₁ = 0.50 and r₂ = 0.06 and for styrene (M₁-methyl benzyl itaconate (M₂), r₁ = 0.42 and r₂ = 0.19. The nonconjugative methoxycarbonyl affected the monomer reactivity of itaconate toward polystyrene radical.

The NMR spectra of styrene-dimethyl itaconate copolymers were very complex and could not be interpreted because the two methoxy groups have similar chemical shifts.

The NMR spectra of styrene-itaconate copolymers were not so complex if methyl benzyl itaconate was used as comonomer instead of dimethyl itaconate. Methoxy and benzyloxy absorptions were sufficiently separated and “co-isotacticity” could be determined.

It is shown that the nonconjugative methoxycarbonyl group had little influence on the steric course of the cross-propagation reaction between styrene and itaconate.     

Permanganate-Pyruvic Acid Initiated Polymerization of Methacrylamide

A combined system of potassium permanganate and pyruvic acid was found to initiate radical polymerization of vinyl monomers, especially acrylamides. From kinetic investigations of the polymerization of methacrylamide, it was found that this initiator induced a radical polymerization which proceeded with an overall activation energy of 15.7 kcal/mol. The rate is given by

R_p=K[methacrylamide] ¹ [pyruvic acid]° [KMnO₄]¹ in aqueous and water-DMF mediums. In the presence of DMF the initial rate was found to decrease but the kinetic equation remained the same. The investigations were done at 35 ± 0.2°C in nitrogen.

Besides the clinical importance of pyruvic acid found in blood, urine, muscles, etc., it is a good initiator in conjunction with KMnO₄ for vinyl polymerization. It is therefore interesting to study the polymerization of methacrylamide using the KMnO₄-pyruvic acid redox couple in aqueous systems in order to find whether this system follows the same kinetic features of vinyl polymerization by a radical mechanism.     

Photoinduced selective hydrophosphinylation of allylic compounds with diphenylphosphine oxide leading to γ-functionalized P-ligand precursors

A series of bifunctional phosphine compounds promising as γ-functionalized phosphine ligand precursors are conveniently synthesized by the radical addition of diphenylphosphine oxide (Ph₂P(O)H) to allylic compounds under photoirradiation. The photoinduced addition proceeds regioselectively in an anti-Markovnikov manner, and phosphines having hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, acyloxy, and thio groups at the γ-position can be prepared by simple operation. Interestingly, novel continuous addition of Ph₂P(O)H to two molecules of allylic ethers and related compounds is also observed, although their yields are moderate. The substituent and steric effects of the allylic substituents on the radical addition are discussed in detail.

     

From “Living” Carbocationic to “Living” Radical Polymerization

Abstract

“Living” carbocationic polymerization is compared to the “living” radical process. Similarities and differences are discussed. “Living” radical polymerization of vinyl acetate and methyl methacrylate to provide polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n < 1.2) are presented.     

Production of Organophosphorus Compounds from Hydrogen Phosphide

Abstract

Technical processes for the production of PH₃ and for its radical induced addition to nonactivated olefins are detailed. The influence of the reaction conditions chosen on the selectivity of the PH₃/Olefin-reaction is discussed.     

Restriction of Spin Probe Motions in Polymer Composites Due to Chemical Factors

Abstract

Hyperfine splitting constants of the nitroxyl radical, with and without hydrogen bonds to the surrounding molecules, have been calculated using the UHF method on a 6-31G* base. In polyethylene filled with silica, hydrogen bonds are formed between nitroxyl radicals and —OH groups of the filler. The formation of hydrogen bonds leads to a change in the A _zz value from 3.33 mT for an isolated nitroxyl radical to 3.83 mT for a radical with a hydrogen bond. The relevant values as measured experimentally are 3.4 and 4.0 mT, respectively. The same procedure was used to calculate the theoretical A _zz value for a nitroxyl radical interacting with polyamide via a hydrogen bond. The value was found to be 3.63 mT (experimental value = 3.6 mT). Hydrogen bond formation results in a restricted motion of the nitroxyl radical in a polymeric medium.     

Superoxide Dismutase Biosensors for Superoxide Radical Analysis

ABSTRACT

Some basic work has been performed on the development and optimisation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) biosensors for superoxide radical analysis. Initially we studied the possibility of obtaining a SOD biosensor using the Clark electrode as indicating sensor. However, the best results were obtained using as indicator a classical amperometric electrode for H₂O₂. In both cases the superoxide radical was generated in situ using the xanthine/xanthine oxidase (XOD) enzyme system, while the SOD was immobilised in kappa-carrageenan gel. The first application was realised by studying the effects in vitro on the superoxide radical of some molecules commonly accepted as radical scavengers.     

Metal Complex-Mediated Living Radical Polymerization: Features,Scope, and Precision Polymer Synthesis

Abstract

The scope, mechanism, and initiating systems of transition metalmediated living radical polymerization have been discussed in light of the authors' recent results. For example, a radical propagation is strongly suggested for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with the dichloroacetophenone/RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃/Al(OiPr)₃ initiating system, because it is immediately terminated by radical quenchers such as galvinoxyl and TEMPO, but is immune to protic polar compounds such as water and methanol. The latter feature also leads to living radical polymerization in methanol and other alcohols and even in water. The product polymers therein are shown to possess a tertiary chloride ω-end that remains intact after work-up with acid and water and can renitiate living polymerization when treated with RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃ and Al(OiPr)₃. The paper also discusses the precise synthesis of star, telechelic, and end-functionalized polymers by the ruthenium-mediated living radical polymerizations with novel multifunctional and functionalized initiators.     

EPR Spectra and Spin Density Distribution of O,S-Dimethyl 4,4-Dithioterephthalate Radical Anions

Abstract

The preparation of O-methyl S-trideuteromethyl 4,4-dithioterephthalate and S-methyl O-trideuteromethyl 4,4-dithioterephthalate is described. The EPR spectra of the corresponding radical anions are measured. Comparison with the spectrum of O,S-dimethyl 4,4-dithioterephthalate radical anions allows the unequivocal assignment of the proton hyperfine structure (proton “hfs”) coupling constants in the above asymmetric species. Assignment of the arene proton hfs coupling constants is achieved by PM6 and density functional theory MO calculations of the spin density distribution and application of McConnell's relationship a^H _μ = ?2.4·ρ^π _μ. The spin density distribution in the asymmetric title compound is compared with those in the radical anions of dimethyl terephthalate and the corresponding symmetric sulfur analogs.     

Radical and Electrophilic Reactions of Anodic Oxidation Intermediates of Organophosphorus Compounds

Abstract

Cationic radicals generated by anodic oxidation of organophosphorus(III) compounds are superelectrophilic radicals. This determines the pattern of their reactivity towards various substrates. The oxidation of (RO)₂ PO^? and (RO)₂PS^? gives corresponding radicals. Interaction of the mentioned radical species with ArH and olefines includes a common stage of radical adduct formation. It has been stated that the oxidation of the adduct into corresponding carbonium ion plays an important role in the following adduct conversions. This is particularly confirmed by the difference in the composition of products obtained in conditions of homogeneous (via photolysis or with stable radical cations) and heterogeneous (on the anode surface) generation of phosphorylating species.     

Vinyl Polymerization. 269. Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Initiated by p,p'-Dimethoxydiphenyldiazomethane

Using p,p'-dimethoxydiphenyldiazomethane (DMDM) as initiator, the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in benzene or in bulk was carried out. The initial rate of polymerization, R_p, was found to be expressed by the following equation:

R_p = k[DMDM]^0.53 [MMA]^0.84

The polymerization was confirmed to proceed by a radical mechanism. The over-all activation energy for the polymerization in benzene was calculated as 19.3 kcal/mole. The rate of thermal decomposition of DMDM was also measured in benzene and the rate equation was obtained as follows:

k_d (sec^?1) = 1.0 × 10¹⁵ exp (^?29.1 kcal/RT) (for 50-80°C)

Explanations of these observations are discussed in connection with those of the preceding papers.     

Oxidation of Ascorbate by Ni(III) Complexes with Tetraaza-macrocyclic Ligands in Neutral Aqueous Solutions. A Pulse-Radiolysis Study

Abstract

The mechanisms and kinetics of oxidation of ascorbate, AH^?, by Ni(III)Lⁱ _aq and by LⁱNi(III) (HPO₄)₂ ^? complexes (L¹ = meso-(5,12)-7,7,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane; L² = 1,8-dimethyl-1,3,6,8,10,13-hexaazacyclotetradecane) in neutral aqueous solutions have been investigated.

The oxidation of ascorbate by the LⁱNi(III) (HPO₄)₂ ^? and Ni(III)L¹ _aq proceeds via two consecutive reactions well separated in time. The products of the first reaction are the A^.? radical anion and the corresponding Ni(II) complex. The oxidations by the LⁱNi(III)(HPO₄)₂ ^? complexes proceed via the outer sphere mechanism, whereas the detailed mechanism of reaction of Ni(III)L¹ _aq cannot be determined. The rate of reaction decreases with the increase in the concentration of phosphate, thus indicating that LⁱNi(III)(HPO₄)(H₂O)⁺ and LⁱNi(III)OH²⁺ are stronger oxidizing agents than LⁱNi(III)(HPO₄)^? ₂.

The oxidation of ascorbate by Ni(III)L² _aq proceeds via three consecutive reactions which are well separated in time. Thus the results clearly point out that this process occurs via the inner sphere mechanism. The first transient observed is tentatively identified as L²(H₂O)Ni(II)(A^.?)²⁺, i.e., an unexpected complex of the ascorbate anion radical. Also in this process the last transient observed is the A^.? anion radical. The stabilization of the ascorbyl radical in a transient complex might be of biological significance.     

Radical/Cation Transformation Polymerization and Its Application to the Preparation of Block Copolymers

Abstract

ESR study on the primary radicals obtained by decomposition of azo-compounds showed that primary radicals with electron donating substituents were transformed to the corresponding cations in the presence of electron acceptors such as ph₂I⁺PF^? ₆. Accordingly, propagating radicals are transformed to the corresponding cations in the polymerization of p-methoxy-styrene (MOS), n-butyl vinyl ether (BVE), and N-vinylcarbazole (VCZ) with azoinitiators such as AIBN in the presence of electron acceptors such as Ph₂I⁺PF^? ₆. In the case of BVE, the polymer formation was caused by cationic species produced by the transformation of the initiating radical. The polymerizations of MOS and VCZ were ascribed to the transformation of the growing radical to the corresponding cation during the propagation step which was classified as the radical/cation transformation polymerization. Block copolymers of MOS/cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and VCZ/CHO were effectively prepared by the radical/cation transformation polymerization of the appropriate monomers in the presence of AIBN, electron acceptor and CHO. The formation of block copolymers was characterized by turbidimetry, thin-layer chromatography, and solubility tests.     

Oxidative Phosphonylation of Aromatic Compounds

Abstract

Aryl phosphonates can be prepared in good yields from the respective arenes and tri- or dialkylphosphites by either chemical or electrochemical oxidation^1. The anodic oxidation proceeds either via phosphonium radical cations which then attack the arenes electrophilically or via arene radical cations which add the trialkyl-phosphite as nucleophile^1,2. Aryl phosphonates are also obtained in good yields by chemical oxidation with peroxidisulfate/AgNO₃, Iron(III)- or Cerium(IV)-complexes in acetonitrile/water or glacial acetic acid^3.     

Effect of Solvent on the Radical Copolymerizability of Styrene with 3(2-Methyl)-6-methylpyridazinone

Abstract

The radical copolymerization of styrene (St, M₁) with 3(2-methyl)-6-methylpyridazinone (I, M₂) has been carried out in several p-substltuted phenols at 60 and 70°C. Monomer reactivity ratios (r₁) and activation parameters of copolymerization were found to be affected by phenols. The values of the activation energy (δδE?) and entropy (δδS?) increased with the increase of the interaction of I with the solvents. Linear relationships were observed between the [sgrave]-values of p-substituents of phenols and the values of log 1/r₁ and also of δδE? and δδS?. The radical copolymerization of St (M₁) with 6-substituted 3(2-methyl)-pyridazinone was also carried out.     

Formation of Dimer Radical Cations of Selenourea on Oxidation: Pulse Radiolysis Studies

Abstract

Reactions of oxidizing radicals like hydroxyl (·OH) radical, specific electron transfer agents like N ₃ ·, and I ₂ ^?. radicals were studied with selenourea (SeU) and compared with thiourea (ThU) using pulse radiolysis technique in microsecond time scales. Both the compounds efficiently react with ·OH radicals, however, SeU undergoes easier oxidation by secondary oxidants as compared to ThU. The results were supported by cyclic voltammetry studies. The radical cations of both SeU and ThU formed on oxidation undergo dimerization with the parent molecule to form two-centered three-electron-hemi bonded radical cations absorbing at 410 and 400 nm respectively with the stabilization energies of 21.1 and 20.5 kcal/mol for SeU and ThU, respectively. Preliminary studies indicated that at low concentration of SeU, the dimerization is prevented and the oxidation reaction produced metallic Se nanoparticles.     

Comparative QSAR: Radical Toxicity and Scavenging. Two Different Sides of the Same Coin

Abstract

From an analysis of the toxicity of phenols to rat embryos and anilines to embryo fibroblast cells a new type of toxicity is postulated for these classes of compounds. Substituents which increase the electron density on the aromatic ring as estimated by σ⁺ or ε_HOMO increase potency. It is postulated that it is the radical form of the phenols and the anilines that accounts for their toxicity. The results are compared with QSAR for radical scavengers and oxidoreductases acting on phenols, anilines and carbazoles.     

Reactions of carbonate radical anion with amino-carboxylate complexes of manganese(II) and iron(III)

Abstract

The reaction kinetics of eight amino-carboxylate complexes of Fe(III) and Mn(II) with carbonate radical anion were studied using the pulse radiolysis method and UV-vis spectroscopy. Difference spectra revealed the formation of Fe(IV) and Mn(III) after reaction with CO₃^??. Spectral measurements revealed the first step to be the coordination of carbonate to the metal center. All of these led to the conclusion that the role of coordinated carbonate is essential to the electron transfer process by carbonate radical anion.     

PHOTO-ASSISTED ELECTRON TRANSFER IN A NICKEL(II) PORPHYRIN COMPLEX: FORMATION OF NICKEL(III)-PORPHYRIN π-CATION RADICAL

Abstract

In sunlight the complex Ni^II(TPP) {TPP=tetraphenylporphyrin} undergoes photolysis in CH₂Cl₂ to produce a stable nickel porphyrin π-cation radical [Ni^IITPP?]⁺ species which has been characterised by epr measurement.