Electrooptical properties of liquid crystalline side chain polymers with laterally attached mesogenic units

The electrooptical properties of side-chain liquid crystalline polymers were investigated for the case that the mesogenic units were attached laterally rather than longitudinally to a flexible chain backbone via flexible spacer units. The experimental finding is that these polymers display unusual electrooptical properties within the isotropic phase in the neighborhood of the transition into the nematic phase. The polymers are characterized by the occurrence of a fast and a slow electrooptical response both of which show a critical divergence of the Kerr constant and the Kerr relaxation time. In addition, they show deviations between the rise and the decay values of the Kerr constants and in certain cases also of the Kerr relaxation times. Finally an overshoot of the induced birefringence following a sudden stepwise increase of the applied electric field has been found for one of these polymers. All these features can be accounted for on the basis of a newly developed theoretical approach that considers the particular dipolar and optical polarization configurations of these polymers.     

Syntheses and reactions of functional polymers. XLII. Preparation and use of polymers having N-hydroxy-succinimide unit in the chain

Styrene-maleic anhydride alternating copolymer was converted to N-hydroxymaleimide-styrene copolymer by reaction with hydroxylamine in pyridine at room temperature. The conversion was more than 90%. From this copolymer, N-acetoxy- or N-benzoyloxymaleimide-styrene copolymers were derived by action of acetic anhydride or benzoyl chloride in dimethylformamide at room temperature. Acylation of several primary amines was carried out effectively by use of these N-acyloxyimide-styrene copolymers. The reaction of the acetylated copolymer with diethylamine at room temperature afforded N-hydroxyimide copolymer.     

Preparation and properties of solvent-soluble bridged polybiphenylenes and related copolymers

A solvent-soluble polybiphenylene with a single hetero atom in the chain (a bridged polybiphenylene) was prepared according to the synthetic procedure for a solvent-soluble poly(4,4′-biphenylene). In addition, a related copolymer was similarly prepared by the addition of the MMA monomer in the reaction system. The thermal properties and viscosity behavior of each product were influenced by the hetero atom, especially by the introduction of MMA component in the chain. Each viscosity curve (η_sp/c vs. c) shows an anomalous peak at a specific concentration (0.3–0.002 g/100 ml DMF), depending upon the atomic group. The η_sp/c value for each homopolymer was not over 0.1 except in the neighborhood of the anomalous peak, while those for copolymers became 3–4 times larger than values for corresponding homopolymers. It is obvious that the viscosity of each copolymer increases due to an increase in flexibility due to introduction of the MMA units in the chain, since little difference in molecular weights is found between homopolymers (16,000–15,000) and copolymers (10,000–12,000).     

Preparation of microporous polymers in the form of particles and a thin film from hyperbranched polyphenylenes

The use of a hyperbranched polymer as a building block for the synthesis of a microporous organic polymer was demonstrated. Hyperbranched polyphenylenes (HBPs) were prepared from (3,5‐dibromophenyl)boronic acid, which contained numerous unreacted bromophenyl end groups. Utilizing metal‐catalyzed coupling reactions between these functional groups, cross‐linked porous polymers were obtained. Although the HBPs did not show porosity, their cross‐linked polymers had highly porous structures with Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface areas of up to 2030 m²/g. An insoluble porous thin film was fabricated by spin casting of a solution containing a HBP followed by Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 2336–2342     

Thermostability of polymers containing indanic units in the main chain

The acid-catalyzed stepwise polymerization of 1,1-diphenylethylene derivatives, p-di(1-phenylvinyl) benzene, bis[p-(1-phenylvinyl)phenyl]methane, 1,2-bis[p-(1-phenylvinyl)phenyl]ethane, bis[p-(1-phenylvinyl)phenyl]ether, and bis[p-(1-phenylvinyl)phenyl]sulfide produced selectively indanic-unit-containing polymers in pertinent conditions. Their molecular weights (M?_n) were in the 1600–15, 700 region after the fractionation in hot ethnol. Melting points were in the 214–281°C region. They dissolved fairly well in conventional solvents like benzene, tetrahydrofuran, and carbon tetrachloride. According to TGA they started to decompose at 397–432°C and showed 10% weight loss at 478–502°C in air at a heating rate of 5°C/min. Focusing on the thermostability, we report on their physical properties.     

Syntheses and spectroscopic properties of substituted diazaborepins with large stokes shift

The substituted diazaborepins (DABs) with halogen (Cl, Br), methoxyl and ethyl ester group on the fifth position of indole unit have large stokes shift, high fluorescence quantum yields and would be used in biomedicine. Their absorption and emission properties were studied in different solvents. Electron-withdrawing group tended to a bathochromic shift of the absorption and fluorescence probably due to its D-π-A structure. Solvatochromic effects were also studied based on Lippert-Mataga equation. DAB-5 with ethyl ester group exhibits more pronounced fluorescence solvatochromic effects than DAB-3 with Br group. The energy gap and simulated stick spectra of DABs based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) calculation was obtained.     

Syntheses of vinyl polymers containing the N-phenothiazinyl group in the side chain

Four kinds of vinyl polymers containing N-substituted phenothiazinyl groups in side chains were obtained by syntheses of the respective monomers and subsequent polymerizations. Thus, N-acrylamidomethylphenothiazine, N-(N-acrylamidomethyl)carbamoylethyl phenothiazine, β-(N-phenothiazinyl)ethyl acrylate and methacrylate, and β-(N-phenothiazinyl)ethyl vinyl ether were synthesized. It was found that all monomers except the last monomer can be polymerized with typical free-radical initiators such as α,α′-azobisisobutyronitrile to afford stable soluble polymers with electron-donating characteristics, presumably due to the absence of a hydrogen atom at the site of the nitrogen atom of the phenothiazinyl group. The last monomer was found to be susceptible to typical cationic initiators such as boron trifluoride etherate to afford a stable soluble polymer also with the electron-donating characteristic.     

New proton-conducting phenyl-substituted polyphenylenes with phosphonate groups in side chain

A new method for the synthesis of polyphenylenes with phenylphosphonate side groups was developed. The method is based on transformations of p-bromophenyl-substituted polyphenylenes via the substitution of the diethyl phosphonate group for bromine in the presence of a palladium catalyst and the hydrolysis of this group giving polymers with free phosphonic acid groups.     

Preparation and characterization of polymers with oxadiazole on the side chain

Three styrene-type monomers having an oxadiazole group were prepared. The monomers were polymerized by a radical initiator into high molecular weight polymer. Polymers were soluble in many organic solvents such as chloroform, benzene and tetrahydrofuran. Polymer films were amorphous and transparent and showed no change after several months of preparation. The polymer had two reduction potentials around −2 V versus Ag/AgCl electrode. The polymer film dispersed with N,N,N′, N-tetraphenyldiaminobiphenyl (TPD) showed electroluminescence due to the exciplex with TPD. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal degradation of polymers with phenylene units in the chain. III. Polyarylates

The thermal decomposition of three aromatic polyesters was studied in vacuo. The degradation products were analyzed by mass spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Breakdown mechanisms are proposed. Primary cleavage of the ester linkages appears to take place either between the carbonyl and the oxygen or between the oxygen and the ring, yielding carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in varying ratios. Another major decomposition product is a sublimate which seems to consist mainly of the phenolic component of the polyester. A polyester with a 2,2-propylene linkage showed, as expected, early loss of methane. A pendent pentyloxy chain in one of the polymers is removed almost completely below 350°C with formation of alkanes and alkenes. Lack of oxygen in the fragments indicates that the main cleavage must occur between the ether oxygen and the aliphatic chain or with in the aliphatic chain.     

Syntheses and structures of three zinc coordination polymers with 1-D zigzag chain,double chain,and triple chain

Three new coordination polymers [Zn(btp)(NCS)₂] _n (1), {[Zn(btp)₂(dca)₂] _n (2), and {[Zn(btp)₃](BF₄)₂} _n (3) (btp = 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propane, dca = dicyanamide) were synthesized and characterized. In 1, 2, and 3, one-, double-, triple-btp ligands link two Zn(II) atoms and extend to form a 1-D zigzag chain for 1, 1-D double chain for 2, and 1-D triple chain for 3. The conformations of the btp ligands in 1, 2, and 3 are analyzed. 1, 2, and 3 have emission maxima at approximately 405, 407, and 409 nm, respectively, in the solid state at room temperature.     

Preparation and thermotropic liquid crystalline properties of semirigid copolyurethanes composed of biphenyl units and partially fluorinated aliphatic chains

New semirigid thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) copolyurethanes 4 and 5 made up of biphenyl units and partially fluorinated aliphatic chains in the backbones were synthesized by melt polycondensation of a mixture of a dioxydihexanol of biphenyl 1 and two fluorine-containing diols 2a , b taken in definite feed mole ratios with alkylene diphenyl dicarbamates 3a–i having various lengths of aliphatic chains. The assigned structures of copolyurethanes 4 and 5 were identified by FTIR, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectra, and elemental analyses. The thermal and mesogenic properties were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal mechanical analyses (TMA), polarizing microscopy, and temperature-changeable X-ray analyses, whose measurements indicated that the copolymers 4 and 5 form thermotropic nematic phases and have glass transition steps around room temperature. It is suggested that the incorporation of partially fluorinated aliphatic chains into the backbones has no drastic effect on the LC formation in the semirigid copolyurethanes 4 and 5 . © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1243–1249, 1998     

Synthesis and electrical properties of substituted paracyclophane polymers

We report the synthesis of three new substituted [6.2]paracyclophane-1,5-dienes and their conversion to medium molecular weight polymers by an intra/intermolecular cyclopolymerization. These materials can be oxidatively “doped” by exposure to iodine vapor to give semiconductor properties.     

Preparation of substituted ionic carbohydrate polymers and their interactions with ionic surfactants

The formation of micelles of hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) in aqueous solutions containing charged polysaccharides was studied by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements using pyrene as a photophysical probe. Micropolarity studies using the I₁/I₃ ratio of the vibronic emission bands of pyrene and the behaviour of the I_E/I_M ratio between the excimer and monomer emissions show the formation of hydrophobic domains. The interactions between the polyelectrolytes and surfactants of opposite charge lead to the formation of induced pre-micelles at surfactant concentrations lower than the critical micellar concentration (cmc) of the surfactants. At similar concentrations, the I_E/I_M ratio shows a peak. This aggregation process is assumed to be due to electrostatic attractions. At higher surfactant concentrations, near the critical micellar concentration, micelles with the same properties as those found in pure aqueous solution are formed. On the other hand, systems containing polyelectrolytes and surfactants of the same charge do not show this behaviour at low concentrations. The presence of long alkyl chains bound to the polyelectrolytes also induces the formation of free micelles at concentrations somewhat below the aqueous cmc.     

Thermoplastic and thermoset main chain liquid crystal polymers prepared from biphenyl mesogen

Main chain liquid crystal thermoplastic polyesters and thermosetting epoxy resins were prepared using biphenyl mesogens. The melting points of the polyesters were effectively decreased by incorporating flexible methylene spacers into the polymer main chain. The liquid crystal epoxy resins exhibit high glass transition temperature, low thermal expansion coefficients, high dielectric strengths, and low dielectric loss. They are suitable for the preparation of self-reinforcing molecular composites. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Syntheses and properties of photochromic polymers of the mercury thiocarbazonate series

Photochromic vinyl polymers of the mercuric thiocarbazonate series were synthesized via the three sequences: (1) synthesis of p-(meth)acrylamidophenyl mercuric acetate(II) by the reaction of (meth)acrylyl chloride with p-aminophenyl mercuric acetate, followed by polymerization to afford corresponding polymers(III) and subsequent reaction with diphenyl- or di-β-naphthyl-thiocarbazone, (2) alternative preparation of III by the reaction of (meth)acrylyl chloride polymers with p-aminophenyl mercuric acetate, and (3) reaction of N-hydroxymethyl (meth)acrylamide polymers with p-amidophenyl mercuric thiocarbazonates. The photochromic behavior of these polymers was investigated to provide data which might indicate the effect of steric conditions on the isomerization of the photochromic components in polymers both under illumination and in dark recovery.     

Novel coordination polymers with ferrocene-containing dicarboxylate ligand: Syntheses, crystal structures and properties

A new ferrocene-containing dicarboxylate ligand, L = 5-ferrocene-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, has been prepared. Self-assembly of L, M(II) salts (M = Co and Zn) and chelating ligands dpa or phen (dpa = 2,2′-dipyridylamine and phen = 1,10-phen) gave rise to four new coordination polymers {[Co(L)(dpa)] · 2MeOH}_n (1), {[Zn(L)(dpa)] · 2MeOH}_n (2), {[Co(L)(phen)(H₂O)] · MeOH} (3), [Zn(L)(phen)(H₂O)] · MeOH (4). The isostructural complexes 1 and 2 possess 1D helical chain structures with 2₁ screw axes along the b-direction, and the right- and left-handed helical chains are alternate arrayed into 2D layer structures through hydrogen-bonding interactions; while isostructural complexes 3 and 4 are 1D linear chain structures with phen and ferrocene groups of L as pendants hanging on the different sides of the main chain. A structural comparison of complexes 1–4 demonstrated that the characteristics of subsidiary ligands and slight difference in coordination models of L play very important role in the construction of the complexes. In addition, the redox properties of complexes 1–4, as well as the magnetic properties of complexes 1 and 3 are also investigated.     

Thermal degradation of polymers with phenylene units in the chain. II. Sulfur-containing polyarylenes

Poly(p-phenylene sulfide), a poly(arylene sulfone), and a poly(arylene sulfonate) were subjected to thermal degradation in vacuo, at temperatures between 250 and 620°C. The volatile and solid degradation products were analyzed by mass spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The major decomposition product of poly-(phenylene sulfide) is a condensate, which consists of di- and trimeric chain fragments, dibenzothiophene, and possibly thianthrene. The residual polymer loses two thirds of its sulfur as hydrogen sulfide, however, one third is retained even at 620°C. The most characteristic decomposition reaction of the polysulfone and of the polysulfonate is the almost complete removal of the sulfur as sulfur dioxide. The elimination of sulfur dioxide is practically complete at 450°C for the polysulfone and at 350°C for the polysulfonate.     

Side-chain liquid crystalline polymers with silphenylene-siloxane main chains. II. Preparation and characterization of polymers containing biphenyl mesogens

Side-chain liquid crystalline polymers with poly(silphenylene-siloxane) backbones and 4,4′-biphenyl-containing pendant mesogenic groups have been prepared and characterized. Polymers with spacers having only three methylene groups were not liquid crystalline, LC, but those with spacers having eight methylene groups or more and a long terminal substituent were LC as indicated by an isotropization peak on the shoulder of the melting peak in the DSC thermogram and the appearance of a Schlieren texture on examination by polarized light microscopy. However, the LC behavior could not be confirmed by wide-angle X-ray diffraction, WAXD, because the crystalline pattern apparently remained up to the isotropization temperature, presumably because the melting transition and isotropization are too close. In contrast, polymethylsiloxanes with the same mesogenic side-chains revealed the presence of well-defined smectic phases by WAXD as well as by polarized light microscopy.     

Syntheses and properties of photochromic polymers of the azobenzene and thiazine series

Photochromic polymers of the azobenzene and thiazine series were synthesized via two routes: (1) synthesis of vinyl photochromic monomers and subsequent polymerization and (2) chemical reactions of the substrate polymers with photochromic components. Polyvinylaminoazobenzenes, polyvinylhydroxyazobenzenes, polyacrylamidomethylaminoazobenzenes, and polyacrylamidomethylthionine were thus prepared and their photochromic behavior investigated. In the case of azobenzene polymers, irradiations from a 100-W projection lamp are enough to induced reversible changes in absorption spectra both in benzene solutions and film states, their absorption maxima being located around 400 mμ in the dark. Better results are obtained for some polymers as compared with the corresponding low molecular weight compounds; in the case of the thionine polymer (absorption maximum, ca. 600 mμ), the presence of ferrous ion remarkably enhances the photosensitivity in aqueous solutions, but incorporation of some polymers containing hydroxyl groups, such as poly(vinyl alcohol), are preferable for film states.