Fatty acid terminated polyanhydrides

A systematic study on the synthesis, characterization, degradation, and drug release of fatty acid terminated poly(sebacic acid) (PSA) is reported. Fatty acid terminated sebacic acid polymers were synthesized by melt condensation of acetate anhydrides of linear fatty acids (C8–C18) and sebacic anhydride oligomers to yield waxy off-white materials. Polymers with molecular weights (M_w) in the range of 9,000 and 5,000 were obtained for the 10% and 30% (weight ratio) containing fatty terminals, respectively. Up to about 30% of fatty acid terminals, the final product is mainly fatty terminated polymer with up to about 5% w/w of the symmetric fatty anhydride. Increasing amounts of fatty acid acetate anhydride in the polymerization mixture had little effect on the polymer molecular weight up to a ratio of 40 : 60 (fatty acid acetate : sebacic acid oligomer) which remains in the range of 5,000–8,000. Above this ratio the molecular weight dropped to a level of 2,000–3,000 and the percent of the symmetric anhydride increased to 10–40%. The fatty terminals had little effect on PSA melting point and crystallinity. However, the fatty terminals had a significant effect on the polymer degradation and drug release rate. PSA with 30% w/w of C14–C18 terminals degraded and released the incorporated drug for more than 4 weeks as compared with 10 days for the acetate-terminated PSA. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 3337–3344, 1999     

The application of Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy to the analysis of poly(anhydride) homo- and co-polymers

Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy was used to characterise a homologous series of aliphatic poly(anhydrides), poly[bis(p-carboxyphenoxy) alkane anhydrides] and a selection of co-polymers of sebacic/ [bis(p-carboxyphenoxy) propane anhydride] P(SA-CPP). The techniqe is compared to conventional infrared for characterisation work, highlighting the advantage of small sample requirement and minimal sample preparation necessary for acquisition of spectral information. It is possible to differentiate between aromatic and aliphatic anhydride bonding, and in conjunction with other diagnostic bands to monitor the change in individual monomer composition within a co-polymer mixture.     

Base-catalyzed polymerization of maleimide and some derivatives and related unsaturated carbonamides

Basic catalysts in dimethylacetamide solution initiated the polymerization of maleimide to yield a low molecular weight polymer which has a copolymer structure. Approximately 75–85% of the recurring units are formed by hydrogen transfer and 15–25% by vinyl polymerization, as shown by hydrolysis, to yield aspartic acid on the one hand and ammonia and polymaleic acid on the other. Several maleimide derivatives have been prepared, but none has given a high molecular weight polymer by basic catalysis. Some unsaturated carbonamides such as p-vinylbenzamide, mono-N-acrylyl-hexamethylenediamine, and mono-N-acrylyl-p-phenylenediamine have been synthesized and polymerized by basic catalysts. Polymers with low molecular weights were obtained, but the complete structures of all these polymers were not established.     

Synthesis and characterization of new soluble polyamides derived from 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-2,2-bis[4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane

A series of new soluble polyamides having isopropylidene and methyl-substituted arylene ether moieties in the polymer chain were prepared by the direct polycondensation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethyl-2,2-bis[4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane and various diamines in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) containing CaCl₂ using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. Polymers were produced with moderate to high inherent viscosities of 0.85–1.47 dL g⁻¹ while the weight-average molecular weight and number-average molecular weight were in the range of 86,700–259,000 and 43,300–119,000, respectively. All the polymers were readily dissolved in polar aprotic solvents such as NMP, N,N-dimethylacetamide, and N,N-dimethylformamide, as well as less polar solvents such as m-cresol and pyridine, and even soluble in tetrahydrofuran. These polymers were solution-cast into transparent, flexible and tough films. All of the polymers were amorphous and the polyamide films had a tensile strength range of 82–122 MPa, an elongation at break range of 6–18%, and a tensile modulus range of 2.0–2.8 GPa. These polyamides had glass transition temperatures between 233–260°C and 10% weight loss temperatures in the range of 450–489 and 459–493°C in nitrogen and air atmosphere, respectively. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 1997–2003, 1999     

Poly(ester anhydride)s prepared by the insertion of ricinoleic acid into poly(sebacic acid)

New degradable poly(ester anhydride)s were prepared by the melt polycondensation of diacid oligomers of poly(sebacic acid) (PSA) transesterified with ricinoleic acid. The transesterification of PSA with ricinoleic acid to form oligomers was conducted via a melt bulk reaction between a high molecular weight PSA and ricinoleic acid. A systematic study on the synthesis, characterization, degradation in vitro, drug release, and stability of these polymers was performed. Polymers with weight‐average molecular weights of 2000–60,000 and melting temperatures of 24–77 °C were obtained for PSA containing 20–90% (w/w) ricinoleic acid. NMR and IR analyses indicated the formation of ester bonds along the polyanhydride backbone. These new degradable copolymers have potential use as drug carriers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 1059–1069, 2003     

Olefin copolymerization with metallocene catalysts. I. Comparison of catalysts

A number of metallocene/methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalysts have been compared for ethylene/propylene copolymerizations to find relationship between the polymerization activities, copolymer structures, and copolymerization reactivity ratio with the catalyst structures. Stereorigid racemic ethylene bis (indenyl) zirconium dichloride and the tetrahydro derivative exhibit very high activity of 10 ⁷ g (mol Zr h bar)^?1, giving copolymers having comonomer compositions about the same as the feed compositions, molecular weights increasing with the increase of ethylene in the feed, random incorporation of comonomers, and narrow molecular weight distribution indicative of a single catalytic species. Nonbridged bis (indenyl) zirconium behaved differently, favoring the incorporation of ethylene over propylene, producing copolymers whose molecular weight decreases with the increase of ethylene in the feed, broad molecular weight distribution, and a methanol soluble fraction. This catalyst system contains two or more active species. Simple methallocene catalysts have much lower polymerization activities. C_pTiCl₂/MAO produced copolymers with tendency toward alternation, whereas Cp₂HfCl₂/MAO gave copolymer containing short blocks of monomers.     

Polyanhydrides. IV. Unsaturated and crosslinked polyanhydrides

Unsaturated polyanhydrides of the structure ? [? (? CO? CH?CH? COO? )_x? (? CO? R? COO? )_y? ]_n? , were synthesized. The polymers were prepared by either melt or solution polycondensation. Weight average molecular weights of up to 30,000 were obtained. The double bonds remain intact throughout the polymerization process and were available for a secondary reaction to form a crosslinked matrix. Poly(fumaric acid) is crystalline and insoluble in common organic solvents. Copolymers of fumaric acid with aliphatic diacids are less crystalline and soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons. These copolymers displayed nearly constant degradation rates and drug release rates under physiological conditions. The time for complete degradation of 14 × 1.5 mm discs of poly(fumaric anhydride) and poly(sebacic anhydride) occurred in 2 and 15 days, respectively, while their copolymers degraded within this range. Further crosslinking of the polyanhydrids is demonstrated.     

Amino acid‐based bioanalogous polymers. Synthesis,and study of regular poly(ester amide)s based on bis(α‐amino acid) α,ω‐alkylene diesters,and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids

The purpose of this research was to synthesize new regular poly(ester amide)s (PEAs) consisting of nontoxic building blocks like hydrophobic α‐amino acids, α,ω‐diols, and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, and to examine the effects of the structure of these building block components on some physico‐chemical and biochemical properties of the polymers. PEAs were prepared by solution polycondensation of di‐p‐toluenesulfonic acid salts of bis‐(α‐amino acid) α,ω‐alkylene diesters and di‐p‐nitrophenyl esters of diacids. Optimal conditions of this reaction have been studied. High molecular weight PEAs (M_w = 24,000–167,000) with narrow polydispersity (M_w/M_n = 1.20–1.81) were prepared under the optimal reaction conditions and exhibited excellent film‐forming properties. PEAs obtained are mostly amorphous materials with T_g from 11 to 59°C. α‐Chymotrypsin catalyzed in vitro hydrolysis of these new PEA substrates was studied to assess the effect of the building blocks of these new polymers on their biodegradation properties. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 391–407, 1999     

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Surfactant Molecules Based on Amphiphilic Polymers

Twelve amphiphilic polymers were synthesized using poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) of different molecular weights, viz. 300, 600 and1000 as hydrophilic block and aliphatic diacids namely glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid and suberic acid as hydrophobic block in presence of catalyst Conc. H₂SO₄. Synthesized polyesters were characterized by using ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and IR spectroscopy. Micellar sizes of the polymers were determined using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) which ranged from 127.5–354 nm. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) results confirm the findings of DLS. Critical Micelle Concentrations (CMC) of the synthesized polymers were determined using electrical conductivity meter which ranged from 112 to 155 mg L^?1.     

Synthesis and properties of conjugated polymers containing 3,9‐carbazolylene and silylenevinylene moieties in the main chain

Novel conjugated polymers containing 3,9‐carbazolylene and silylenevinylene moieties were synthesized by the hydrosilylation polymerization of 1,4‐bis(3‐ethynyl‐9‐carbazolyl)benzene ( 1 ) with various bis(hydrosilane)s or dihydrosilanes using a rhodium catalyst. Polymers with weight‐average molecular weights ranging from 5400 to 20,000 were obtained in 55–97% yields by the polyaddition with a rhodium catalyst in toluene at 25 °C for 24 h. All the polymers were soluble in CHCl₃ and THF, and had predominantly trans‐structures. The polymers exhibited λ_max at a longer wavelength region than 1 , and emitted fluorescence in 14–50% quantumn yields. The polymers were oxidized and reduced in the region of 0.4–1.6 V, and thermally stable up to 200 °C under air. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1815–1821, 2010     

Aromatic polyamides. IV. A novel synthesis of sulfonated poly(para-phenyleneterephthalamide): Polymerization of terephthalic acid and para-phenylenediamine in sulfur trioxide

A novel polyamide condensation reaction of aromatic diamines (usually as strong inorganic acid salts) and aromatic diacids in SO₃ has been discovered. para-Phenylenediamine was polymerized with terephthalic acid in SO₃ at 20–47% polymer concentration to form highly anisotropic (liquid crystalline) sulfonated poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide) (SPT) solutions (dopes) with inherent viscosities as high as 1.6. Sulfonation of the aromatic diamine ring was a major side reaction. The effects of reaction variables such as temperature, time, monomer concentration, stoichiometry, and solvent acidity on molecular weight were studied. The dopes were spun to fiber, but tensile properties were limited by coagulation problems associated with hydrophilicity of the highly sulfonated polymer. Thermogravimetric analysis of SPT at 20°C/min showed weight loss only above 450°C.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Amphiphilic PEG Based Aliphatic and Aromatic Polymers and their Self-Assembling Behavior

Twelve amphiphilic polymers were synthesized using poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) of different molecular weights, viz. 1000, 2000 and 4000 as hydrophilic block and linkers namely azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dimethyl isophthalate acid and dimethyl terephthalate as hydrophobic block in the presence of catalyst Conc. H₂SO₄. Synthesized polymers were characterized by using ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and IR spectroscopy. Micellar sizes of the polymers were determined using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) which ranged from 51.6–174 nm for aliphatic polymers and 135.5–371 nm for aromatic polymers. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) results confirm the findings of DLS. Critical Micelle Concentrations (CMC) of the synthesized polymers were determined using electrical conductivity meter which ranged from 95 to 130 mg L^?1 for aliphatic polymers and 420–1500 mg L^?1 for aromatic polymers.     

Alternating Stereoregular Head,Tail–Tail,Head‐Poly(Alkylene d‐Glucaramides) Derived from a Homologous Series of Symmetrical Diamido‐di‐d‐Glucaric Acid Monomers

A method for the synthesis and purification of a homologous series of symmetrical diamido‐diacids derived from d‐glucaric acid and six alkylenediamines is described. Treating d‐glucaro‐6,3‐lactone with an equimolar amount of lithium acetate dihydrate yielded lithium d‐glucarate‐6,3‐lactone, which in turn was reacted with six alkylenediamines in dimethyl sulfoxide to give the target diamido‐diacids. Six new alternating stereoregular polyamides, head, tail–tail, head‐poly(alkylene d‐glucaramides), were then synthesized by simple polycondensation reactions between the activated diamido‐diacids [6,6′‐(N,N′‐alkylene)‐bis(d‐glucaramid‐1‐oic acid)s] and the alkylenediamines. Number average molecular weights for the polyamides were estimated by ¹H NMR end group analysis. Models for the three‐dimensional shape of these alternating stereoregular polymers were produced from a combination of ¹H NMR data, molecular modeling studies performed on d‐glucaramide, and crystal structures of various acyclic d‐glucaric acid derivatives.     

The influence of microstructure and monomer properties on the erosion mechanism of a class of polyanhydrides

The erosion of three different polyanhydrides consisting of sebacic acid (SA) and 1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)propane (CPP) was investigated. Melt cast polymer matrices were prepared from the homopolymer p(SA) and two copolymers, p(CPP-SA) 20 : 80 and p(CPP-SA) 50 : 50. Particular attention was paid to the influence of the polymer matrix microstructure and of the monomers on erosion. Using polarized light microscopy we found that p(SA) and p(CPP-SA) 20 : 80 matrices consist of spherulites. SEM investigations showed that their crystalline parts are more resistant to erosion than their amorphous areas. The matrices erode into highly porous devices, whose porosity is detectable by mercury porosimetry. Using wide-angle x-ray diffractometry we found that monomers crystallize inside the pores. DSC investigations showed a maximum of crystallized SA after 2–6 days and a continuous increase of CPP, which stays in the devices for weeks. We conclude that the microstructure and the monomer properties are the two main factors which determine the erosion of these polymers. The obtained data on changes in porosity, crystallinity, polymer matrix thickness, erosion front velocities, crystalline monomer content, and monomer release provides the basis for quantitatively describing the erosion process. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Novel titanium complexes bearing two chelating phenoxy‐imine ligands and their catalytic performance for ethylene polymerization

Three substituted salicylaldimine ligands ( 1a, 2a, 3a ) and their titanium complexes bis[N‐(5‐nitrosalicylidene)‐2,6‐diisopropylanilinato]titanium(IV)dichloride ( 1 ), bis[N‐(5‐chlorosalicylidene)‐2,6‐diisopropylanilinato]titanium(IV)dichloride ( 2 ) and bis[N‐(5‐bromosalicylidene)‐2,6‐diisopropylanilinato]titanium(IV)dichloride ( 3 ) were synthesized and characterized by mass spectra, ¹H NMR and elemental analyses, as well as complex 1 by X‐ray structure analysis. In the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO), 1, 2 and 3 are efficient catalysts for ethylene polymerization in toluene. Under the conditions of T = 60 °C, p = 0.2 MPa, and n(MAO)/n(cat) = 1500, the activities of 1–3 reached 4.55–8.80 × 10⁶ g of PE (mol of Ti h bar)^?1, which is much higher than that of the unsubstituted complex bis[N‐(salicylidene)‐2,6‐diisopropylanilinato]titanium(IV)dichloride ( 4 ). The viscosity‐average molecular weight of polyethylene ranged from 24.8 × 10⁴ to 44.9 × 10⁴ g/mol for 1–3 and the molecular weight distribution M_w/M_n from 1.85 to 2.34. The effects of reaction conditions on the polymerization were examined in detail. The increase in ethylene pressure and rise in polymerization temperature are favorable for 1–3 /MAO to rise the catalytic activity and the molecular weight of polyethylene. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Synthesis and characterization of new soluble cardo polyamides containing the tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decane group

A new cardo dicarboxylic acid, 8,8‐bis[4‐(4‐carboxyphenoxy)phenyl]tricyclo[5.2.1.0^2,6]decane (BCPTD), was synthesized from 4,4′‐(octahydro‐4,7‐methano‐5H‐inden‐5‐ylidene)bisphenol and p‐fluorobenzonitrile via aromatic nucleophilic substitution followed by hydrolysis. A series of new cardo polyamides was prepared by the direct polycondensation of BCPTD and various aromatic diamines in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP) with triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as the condensing agents. Polymers were produced with moderate to high inherent viscosities of 0.65 to 1.08 dL g⁻¹. The polymers, except for polymer PA1 , exhibited number‐average molecular weights and weight‐average molecular weights in the range of 38,400 to 86,300 and 57,800 to 148,000, respectively. Nearly all of the polymers were readily soluble in polar solvents such as NMP, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, N,N‐dimethylformamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide as well as in less polar solvents such as pyridine, γ‐butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran. All of the polymers were amorphous, and the polyamide films had a tensile‐strength range of 75 to 128 MPa and a tensile‐modulus range of 2.0 to 2.8 GPa. These polyamides had glass‐transition temperatures between 240 and 269°C and 10% weight‐loss temperatures in the range of 477 to 508°C and 471 to 518°C in nitrogen and air atmospheres, respectively. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 74–79, 2000     

Cationic copolymerization of indene with styrene derivatives: Synthesis of random copolymers of indene with high molecular weight

Random copolymers with high molecular weights of indene and p‐methylstyrene (pMeSt) were synthesized by cationic polymerization with trichloroacetic acid/tin tetrachloride in CH₂Cl₂ at low temperatures. When indene and pMeSt (1:1 v/v), for example, were polymerized at ?40 °C, both monomers were consumed at very similar rates to give a copolymer with high molecular weight [number‐average molecular weight (M_n): 8–9 × 10⁴]. This is indeed quite unexpected behavior for the combination of these two monomers because pMeSt polymerized over 1000 times faster than indene in the homopolymerization under the reaction conditions previously described. The product copolymer of indene and pMeSt had a random monomer sequence in it that was confirmed by NMR analyses and thermal‐property measurements. In sharp contrast with pMeSt, styrene and p‐chlorostyrene, which have no electron‐donating groups on the phenyl ring, led to low molecular weight polymers (M_n < 10,000) in the copolymerization with indene (1:1 v/v). © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 2449–2457, 2002     

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.     

Chiral Calcium–BINOL Phosphate Catalyzed Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of syn‐1,2‐Disubstituted 1,2‐Diamines: Scope and Mechanistic Studies

A highly enantioselective, chiral, Lewis acid calcium–bis(phosphate) complex, Ca[ 3 a ]_n, which catalyzes the electrophilic amination of enamides with azodicarboxylate derivatives 2 to provide versatile chiral 1,2‐hydrazinoimines 4 is disclosed. The reaction gives an easy entry to optically active syn‐1,2‐disubstituted 1,2‐diamines 6 in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities, after a one‐pot reduction of the intermediate 1,2‐hydrazinoimines 4 . The geometry and nature of the N‐substituent of the enamide affect dramatically both the reactivity and the enantioselectivity. Although the calcium–bis(phosphate) complex was a uniquely effective catalyst, the exact nature of the active catalytic species remains unclear. NMR spectroscopy and MS analysis of the various calcium complexes Ca[ 3 ]_n reveals that the catalysts exist in various oligomer forms. The present mechanistic study, which includes nonlinear effects and kinetic measurements, constitutes a first step in understanding these calcium–bis(phosphate) complex catalysts. DFT calculations were carried out to explore the mechanism and the origin of the enantioselectivity with the Ca[ 3 ]_n catalysts.