AB3 building blocks for the synthesis of polyester dendrimers

Syntheses of several examples of a new type of trivalent building blocks for the preparation of aliphatic polyester dendrimers are presented. Starting from the well-known mono-O-benzylidenepentaerythritol, AB₃ type acid dendrons can be obtained in high yield in only two steps. Other triprotected bis-2,2-(hydroxymethyl)-3-hydroxypropanoic acid derivatives with varying protecting groups were also synthesized readily. This type of dendron was used in combination with 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl) propanoic acid (bis-HMPA) divalent dendrons to produce low generation mixed polyester dendrimers with increased number of branching points.     

Convenient synthetic route of versatile 21-monothiatetraphenylporphyrins of the A4 and AB3 type

A novel convenient synthetic route for poly-functional 21-monothiatetraphenylporphyrins of the type A₄ und AB₃ having base labile substituents in meso position was developed. Using this method a series of symmetric and asymmetric 21-thiaporphyrins containing different functional groups at the meso position is reported. The new products were characterized by NMR, UV-Vis and mass spectroscopy.     

Raman spectroscopy in AB2X4 pseudoternary layered compounds

We have synthesized several pseudoternary layered compounds by cation or anion cross substitution in ternary AB₂X₄ compounds. Here we report on the low frequency Raman spectra obtained from Zn_xCd_1-xIn₂S₄, Zn(In_xGa_1-x)₂S₄ and ZnIn₂(S_xSe_1-x)₄ single crystals. Within these systems we have identified five compositionally or dynamically different phases. Each of these phases may be characterized by its peculiar low frequency Raman spectrum which is connected to the dynamics of the layers in the unit cell. Abrupt structural/dynamical changes are observed as a function of composition between different phases. Within each phase compositional changes cause only smooth and small spectral variations.     

An AB3 high-resolution NMR spectrum in the solid state: 31P in P4S3

A high-resolution ³¹P NMR spectrum has been recorded in polycyrstalline tetraphosphorus trisulphide P₄S₃. The spectrum exhibits the resolved doublet and quartet structure characteristic of an AB₃ type spectrum, with chemical shift difference 185 ± 2 ppm and J = 70 ± 3 Hz.     

Solid-phase construction: high efficiency dendrimer synthesis using AB3 isocyanate-type monomers

Solid-phase synthesis is an ideal tool for reactions that require high concentrations and excess reagents and forcing chemical conditions. One such chemistry is that required for dendrimer construction. In this paper the synthesis of a series of symmetrical AB₃ isocyanate-type monomers is reported and used for the preparation of tri-branched dendrimers on the solid-phase. This method not only allows isolable dendrimer but can generate high-loading supports and devices for multivalent presentation.     

Basis set dependence of ab initio geometry predictions for AB4 molecules

Theoretical predictions of AB₄ molecular structures are very sensitive to choice of basis set. This has been previously demonstrated for the SH₄ and SF₄ molecules. Here it is shown that while both minimum and double zeta basis sets predict ClF₄⁺ to have a C_4v structure, the addition of d functions on Cl results in a C_2v geometry, similar to the experimentally known structure of SF₄.     

Synthesis and characterization of new semifluorinated linear and hyperbranched poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide)s through B2 + A2 and AB2 approaches

A new phosphorus containing trifluoromethyl-activated bisfluoro B₂ monomer has been synthesized successfully by coupling reaction of 4-methoxyphenylphosphonic dichloride and the Grignard salt of 5-bromo-2-fluorobenzotrifluoride. This monomer was converted to linear poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide)s by nucleophilic displacement of the fluorine atom on the benzene ring with several diphenols. The B₂ monomer was further demethylated to form an AB₂ monomer which on self condensation yielded hyperbranched poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide) with identical phosphorous containing moiety. The products obtained exhibit weight-average molecular weights as high as 600,000 g mol⁻¹ in SEC. These linear and hyperbranched poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide)s showed thermal stability as high as 516 °C for 10% weight loss in TGA in nitrogen and showed glass transition temperatures up to 253 °C in DSC. All the polymers were soluble in a wide range of organic solvents, e.g., CHCl₃, THF, NMP and DMF, however, the hb sample showed a significant lower solution viscosity compared to linear samples of similar molar mass. Transparent thin films of linear poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide)s casted from dichloromethane exhibited tensile strengths up to 50 MPa, a modulus of elasticity up to 0.95 GPa and elongation at break up to 36% depending on their exact repeating unit structures. No free standing films could be prepared from the hb analogue due to the missing entanglements, but stable thin polymer films on silicon wafers with high hydrophobicity were formed which showed water contact angles as high as 91°.     

Basis set dependence of protonation reactions of NH3, OH2, and SH2

All basis sets, ranging in size from minimal STO-nG to polarized double-valence n-31G^*, correctly predict that NH₃ has a higher proton affinity than OH₂ and SH₂ but most reverse the known order of the latter two. 4–31G^* results are in good agreement with experiment with regard to absolute as well as relative proton affinities of all three molecules. Further enlargement of the basis set and inclusion of electron correlation leads to no significant improvement of the 4-3 1G^* results.     

Synthesis and characterization of dendrons and dendrimers skeleton-constructed with azobenzene moiety

A series of dendrons and dendrimers skeleton-constructed with azobenzene moiety based upon 4-carboxy-4′-(1,2-propanediolether)-azobenzene as an AB₂ monomer, via a convergent approach, proceeding in a repeated stepwise growth manner starting from 4-carboxy-4′-(n-butylether)-azobenzene as a peripheral monomer, were synthesized, and characterized by NMR, FTIR, and MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. Their regular molecular architecture and thus monodispersed molecular weights were confirmed by GPC. The UV-Vis absorbance and ¹H NMR spectrum study indicated that the azobenzene moieties in CHCl₃ solution took fully trans-cis isomerization under UV irradiation, and reversely isomerization back to the trans by visible light irradiation or by heat.     

Synthesis of AB2 miktoarm star-shaped copolymers by combining stable free radical polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization

A stable nitroxyl radical functionalized with two initiating groups for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), 4-(2,2-bis-(methyl 2-bromo isobutyrate)-propionyloxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (Br₂-TEMPO), was synthesized by reacting 4-hydroxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy with 2,2-bis-(methyl 2-bromo isobutyrate) propanoic acid. Stable free radical polymerization of styrene was then carried out using a conventional thermal initiator, dibenzoyl peroxide, along with Br₂-TEMPO. The obtained polystyrene had two active bromine atoms for ATRP at the ω-end of the chain and was further used as the macroinitiator for ATRP of methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate to prepare AB₂-type miktoarm star-shaped copolymers. The molecular weights of the resulting miktoarm star-shaped copolymers at different monomer conversions shifted to higher molecular weights without any trace of the macroinitiator, and increased with monomer conversion.     

Relationship between the CaF2 (C 1) and CdCl2 (C 19) structure types,with assorted remarks on C 19, anti-C 19, and related compounds

It is shown how the 6:(3 + 3)-coordinated AB₂ layer structure of the C 19 type can be derived by continuous rhombohedral distortion from the cubic 8:8-coordinated C 1-type structure. The magnitude of the distortion actually observed (as manifested in the $\text{c}\text{a}$ ratio per AB₂ layer, R₁) is considered in relation to geometric factors, with particular attention to the competing CdI₂ (C 6) structure type. Reasons are suggested for the nonoccurrence of the C 19 structure type among M(OH)₂ and of the anti-C 19 type among the simple hexahalometallates(IV), A₂MX₆. Finally, the structures of alkylammonium hexahalometallates(IV), (R_nNH_4?n)₂MX₆, are surveyed to demonstrate how the charge arrangements of the composite cations and anions in these compounds are able to mimic the structure types encountered with simple AB₂ compounds.     

Synthesis and properties of polyurethane elastomers crosslinked with amine-terminated AB2-type hyperbranched polyamides

Amine-terminated AB₂-type hyperbranched polyamides of different molecular weights were prepared from 3,5-bis-(4-aminophenoxy)benzoic acid (AB₂ monomer) by fractional precipitation technique and characterized by FTIR, ¹H-NMR spectroscopies, DSC and GPC techniques. The degree of branching (DB) of hyperbranched polymers (HBP) was determined using ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy and it was found that the value increased with decrease in molecular weight of polymer considered. As the molecular weight distribution was narrow, the approximate number of end functional groups of each HBP was conveniently calculated. Three polymers were selected and used as crosslinkers in the preparation of polyurethanes. The incorporation of hyperbranched polyamide into the polyurethane chains was confirmed using FTIR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopic techniques. Among the range studied (1-6%), it was found that high tensile strength is attained with 1% of HBP. It was also found that the tensile strength decreases with increase in number of end functional groups and decrease in DB of HBP. However, glass transition temperatures and thermal stability of polyurethanes crosslinked with up to 6% of HBP, above which gelation occurred, were not affected and similar to the blank polymer prepared without AB₂ polymer.     

Resonance Raman spectrum of the complex [(C2H5)4N] AuBr4

A resonance Raman spectrum of the complex [(C₂H₅)₄N] AuBr₄ has been observed by use of 457.9 nm Ar⁺ excitation. Three progressions in the totally symmetric stretching fundamental ν₁ (a_1g) have been observed, viz. nν₁ (as far as n = 9), ν₂ + nν₁ (as far as n = 1), and ν₄ + nν₁ (as far as n = 6). The spectroscopic constants ω₁ and x₁₁ have been determined from an analysis of the nν₁ and ν₄ + nν₁ progressions.     

Controlled synthesis of AB2 amphiphilic triarm star-shaped block copolymers by ring-opening polymerization

This paper describes the synthesis of a novel amphiphilic AB₂ triarm star-shaped copolymer with A = non-toxic and biocompatible hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and B = biodegradable and hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). A series of AB₂ triarm star-shaped copolymers with different molecular-weights for the PCL block were successfully synthesized by a three-step procedure. α-Methoxy-ω-epoxy-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-epoxide) was first synthesized by the nucleophilic substitution of α-methoxy-ω-hydroxy-poly(ethylene oxide) (MPEO) on epichlorohydrin. In a second step, the α-methoxy-ω,ω′-dihydroxy-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO(OH)₂) macroinitiator was prepared by the selective hydrolysis of the ω-epoxy end-group of the PEO-epoxide chain. Finally, PEO(OH)₂ was used as a macroinitiator for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (εCL) catalyzed by tin octoaote (Sn(Oct)₂). PEO-epoxide, PEO(OH)₂ and the AB₂ triarm star-shaped copolymers were assessed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and MALDI-TOF. The behavior of the AB₂ triarm star-shaped copolymer in aqueous solution was studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).     

Structural relationships in close-packed AB2O4 oxides involving spinel,olivine, and hexagonal LiFeSnO4 structures

Close-packed structures with formula AB₂O₄ were studied in terms of polyhedra arrangement. The junction between octahedral layers (kagome) and mixed (octahedral and tetrahedral) layers were analyzed; this association allows one to determine two types of double layers whose packing leads to three closely related structural types: spinel, double-hexagonal LiFeSnO₄, and a hypothetical hexagonal structure. Olivine structure shows a polyhedral arrangement closely related to those of these three structures and can be described alike in terms of mixed layers and double layers. AB₂O₄ close-packed oxides can exhibit polymorphism; from this analysis a mechanism, involving geometrical operations applied to the double layers, is proposed for the different transitions, really observed as (DH) LiFeSnO₄ spinel and olivine-spinel or theoretical as (DH) LiFeSnO₄—hypothetical hexagonal and olivine—hypothetical hexagonal.     

Layer structure: The oxides A3Ti5MO14

Five new oxides, K₃Ti₅MO₁₄, Rb₃Ti₅MO₁₄ (M = Ta, Nb), and Tl₃Ti₅NbO₁₄, have been synthesized. The structure of these oxides consists of octahedral layers similar to those observed for Na₂Ti₃O₇ and held together by monovalent ions; the sheets consist of blocks of 2 × 3 edge-sharing octahedra, which are then joined to each other by the corners of the octahedra. The relative disposition of the layers is similar to that observed for Tl₂Ti₄O₉. These oxides can be considered as the member n = 3 of a series of closely related structures with formula A_nB_2nO_4n+2, where n indicates the number of octahedra which determines the width of the blocks of 2 × n octahedra.     

Complex [Cd(dafo)2(tphpo)(CH3COO)]ClO4 (dafo=4,5-diazafluoren-9-one, tphpo=triphenylphosphine oxide) with chiral metal centers. Helical packing induced by π-π stacking interactions of dafo rings

The first complex of 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one (dafo) and cadmium: [Cd(dafo)₂(tphpo)(CH₃COO)]ClO₄ (triphenylphosphine oxide=tphpo) is a quaternary complex with chiral metal centers and crystallizes in a monoclinic cell with space group P₂(1)/n. Cadmium centers with 7-fold coordination adopt a distorted monocapped trigonal prismatic geometry. Two oxygen atoms of acetate and one oxygen atom of triphenylphosphine oxide form the top triangle of the trigonal prism, while three nitrogen atoms from two dafo groups construct the bigger bottom triangle. The last nitrogen atom of dafo groups occupies the monocapped position. Here, dafo molecules display two different coordination patterns, namely unsymmetric and symmetric chelation. Moreover, the interesting linking of screw related cations is fabricated by inter-molecular π-π stacking interactions in the complex.     

Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched polyesters incorporating the AB2 monomer 3,5-bis(3-hydroxylprop-1-ynyl)benzoic acid

The AB₂ monomer, 3,5-bis(3-hydroxylprop-1-ynyl)benzoic acid 1, has been synthesized using a Sonogashira cross-coupling with a palladium catalyst system developed for use with deactivated aryl halides. Numerous condensation methods have then been assessed in the homopolymerization of the acid-diol monomer 1 to afford hyperbranched polyesters. However, as a result of the thermal instability of the monomer, direct thermal polymerizations could not be employed. Alternative approaches using carbodiimide-coupling reagents enabled the production of soluble polyesters possessing molecular weights and degrees of branching ranging from 2500 to 11,000 and 0.22 to 0.33, respectively.     

A single crystal X-ray and HRTEM study of new series of compounds DyCux (x=4.5, 4 and 3.5)

A series of monoclinic compounds DyCu_x (x=4.5,4 and 3.5) is described. It is constructed from structural blocks AB₅ (cubic AuBe₅ structure type) and AB₂ (cubic MgCu₂ structure type) by stacking nAB₅+AB₂ and giving the compositions A₂B₇,AB₄,A₄B₁₇,A₅B₂₂,A₆B₂₇,…,AB₅. The resulting monoclinic superstructures can be derived from the cubic AuBe₅ type by introducing planar defects parallel to {hhh} that lead to a nearly orthogonal ≈(n+2)×(n+2)×(n+2−0.5) supercells. The present series is analogous to the monoclinic-hexagonal-trigonal-orthorhombic series A_n+1B_5n+2 obtained by the stacking (n-1)AB₅+A₂B₇ where AB₅ is of the hexagonal CaCu₅ structure type and A₂B₇ is of the monoclinic Zr₂Ni₇ structure type.     

Convergent synthesis of dendrimers based on 1,3,3-trisubstituted 2-oxindoles

Dendrons and dendrimers were convergently prepared using an isatin as AB₂ monomer by superelectrophilic arylation in trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. This strategy has the advantage that incomplete reactions of the AB₂ monomer are minimized, thus simplifying purification. As the obtained dendrons/dendrimers are analogues of the hyperbranched polymers with a degree of branching of 100% developed earlier in our group, an opportunity is created to compare the latter with their structurally perfect counterparts.