Optimization of direct arylation polymerization (DArP) through the identification and control of defects in polymer structure

As a newly emerged protocol for the synthesis of conjugated polymers, direct arylation polymerization (DArP) is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of polymerization. DArP efficiently yields conjugated polymers with high yield and high molecular weight. However, DArP is also known to produce defects in polymer chemical structure. Together with molecular weight and polydispersity, these defects are considered to be important parameters of polymer structure and they have a strong impact on optical, electronic and thermal properties of conjugated polymers. The four major classes of conjugated polymer defects inherent for DArP have been identified: homocoupling regiodefects, branching defects, end group defects, and residual metal defects. To have a precise control over the polymer properties, it is important to understand what causes the defects to form during the polymerization process and be able to control their content. Here within the scope of current literature, we discuss in detail the definition and origin of all these defects, their influence on polymer properties and effective means to control the defects through fine tuning of the DArP reaction parameters. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 135–147     

Air-tolerant poly(3-hexylthiophene) synthesis via catalyst-transfer polymerization

The discovery of catalyst-transfer polymerization and its further developments have led to unprecedented control over the length and sequence of conjugated polymers. However, the methods themselves are technically challenging to perform due to the air- and moisture-sensitivities of the monomers and catalysts. Herein, we report a catalyst-transfer polymerization method that affords poly(3-hexylthiophene) in high yields without using an inert atmosphere. The synthesis capitalizes on a rapid Negishi cross-coupling using a moisture-tolerant organozinc monomer mediated by an air-stable Pd precatalyst. This simple method should make conjugated polymer synthesis more accessible to a broader range of researchers and may be generalizable to other monomer scaffolds.     

Conjugated Polymers Via Direct Arylation Polymerization in Continuous Flow: Minimizing the Cost and Batch‐to‐Batch Variations for High‐Throughput Energy Conversion

Continuous flow methods are utilized in conjunction with direct arylation polymerization (DArP) for the scaled synthesis of the roll‐to‐roll compatible polymer, poly[(2,5‐bis(2‐hexyldecyloxy)phenylene)‐alt‐(4,7‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole)] (PPDTBT). PPDTBT is based on simple, inexpensive, and scalable monomers using thienyl‐flanked benzothiadiazole as the acceptor, which is the first β‐unprotected substrate to be used in continuous flow via DArP, enabling critical evaluation of the suitability of this emerging synthetic method for minimizing defects and for the scaled synthesis of high‐performance materials. To demonstrate the usefulness of the method, DArP‐prepared PPDTBT via continuous flow synthesis is employed for the preparation of indium tin oxide (ITO)‐free and flexible roll‐coated solar cells to achieve a power conversion efficiency of 3.5% for 1 cm² devices, which is comparable to the performance of PPDTBT polymerized through Stille cross coupling. These efforts demonstrate the distinct advantages of the continuous flow protocol with DArP avoiding use of toxic tin chemicals, reducing the associated costs of polymer upscaling, and minimizing batch‐to‐batch variations for high‐quality material.     

Synthesis of a Fragment of Crystalline Silicon: Poly(Cyclosilane)

We report a strategic synthesis of poly(cyclosilane), a well‐defined polymer inspired by crystalline silicon. The synthetic strategy relies on the design of a functionalized cyclohexasilane monomer for transition‐metal‐promoted dehydrocoupling polymerization. Our approach takes advantage of the dual function of the phenylsilyl group, which serves a crucial role both in the synthesis of a novel α,ω‐oligosilanyl dianion and as a latent electrophile. We show that the cyclohexasilane monomer prefers a chair conformation. The monomer design ensures enhanced reactivity in transition‐metal‐promoted dehydrocoupling polymerization relative to secondary silanes, such as methylphenylsilane. Comprehensive NMR spectroscopy yields a detailed picture of the polymer end‐group structure and microstructure. Poly(cyclosilane) has red‐shifted optical absorbance relative to the monomer. We synthesize a σ–π hybrid donor–acceptor polymer by catalytic hydrosilylation.     

Polymerization of 1-ethynylcyclohexene by tungsten and molybdenum-based catalysts

1-Ethynylcyclohexene, an acetylene derivative having cyclohexenyl substituent, was polymerized by various W- and Mo-based catalysts. WCl₆-EtAlCl₂ catalyst system was found to be very effective for this polymerization. The effects of the monomer-to-catalyst mol ratio, the initial monomer concentration, the temperature, and the cocatalysts for the polymerization of 1-ethynylcyclohexene by WCl₆ were investigated. The catalytic activity of Mo-based catalysts was found to be similar to that of W-based catalysts. The polymer structure was identified to have a conjugated polymer backbone carrying a cyclohexenyl substituent. The resulting polymers were light-brown powder and completely soluble in aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbon solvents such as chlorobenzene, benzene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, etc. Studies of the thermal properties and morphology of poly(1-ethynylcyclohexene) were also carried out. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers via Transition Metal Catalysed C−H Bond Activation

Transition metal catalysed C−H bond activation chemistry has emerged as an exciting and promising approach in organic synthesis. This allows us to synthesize a wider range of functional molecules and conjugated polymers in a more convenient and more atom economical way. The formation of C−C bonds in the construction of pi-conjugated systems, particularly for conjugated polymers, has benefited much from the advances in C−H bond activation chemistry. Compared to conventional transition-metal catalysed cross-coupling polymerization such as Suzuki and Stille cross-coupling, pre-functionalization of aromatic monomers, such as halogenation, borylation and stannylation, is no longer required for direct arylation polymerization (DArP), which involve C−H/C−X cross-coupling, and oxidative direct arylation polymerization (Ox-DArP), which involves C−H/C−H cross-coupling protocols driven by the activation of monomers’ C(sp²)−H bonds. Furthermore, poly(annulation) via C−H bond activation chemistry leads to the formation of unique pi-conjugated moieties as part of the polymeric backbone. This review thus summarises advances to date in the synthesis of conjugated polymers utilizing transition metal catalysed C−H bond activation chemistry. A variety of conjugated polymers via DArP including poly(thiophene), thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione)-containing, fluorenyl-containing, benzothiadiazole-containing and diketopyrrolopyrrole-containing copolymers, were summarized. Conjugated polymers obtained through Ox-DArP were outlined and compared. Furthermore, poly(annulation) using transition metal catalysed C−H bond activation chemistry was also reviewed. In the last part of this review, difficulties and perspective to make use of transition metal catalysed C−H activation polymerization to prepare conjugated polymers were discussed and commented.     

Well-defined vanadium complexes as the catalysts for olefin polymerization

The design and synthesis of well-defined vanadium complexes as efficient catalysts for olefin polymerization remains an attractive project for organometallic and polymeric research. Recently, vanadium complexes with well-defined structures have been explored for olefin (co)polymerization by several groups around the world. This article summarizes our recent progress in well-defined vanadium complexes bearing a variety of chelating β-enaminoketonato, salicylaldiminato, iminopyrrolide and tetradentate amine trihydroxy ligands, and their applications in ethylene polymerization, ethylene/α-olefin copolymerization and ethylene/cycloolefin copolymerization. The application of the optimized catalysts in the copolymerization of ethylene and polar monomer such as 3-buten-1-ol, 5-hexen-1-ol, 10-undecen-1-ol and 5-norbornene-2-methanol is also discussed. Particular attention has been paid to the relationships between the catalytic behavior and the electronic and geometrical structure of the precatalyst.     

Catalytic and coordination facets of single-site non-metallocene organometallic catalysts with N-heterocyclic scaffolds employed in olefin polymerization

This review discusses the principles underlying mononucleating N-heterocyclic ligand design, selectivity of metal centers, preparation of organometallic catalysts with a N-heterocyclic backbone, and their catalytic activity in olefin oligo/polymerization. A vast number of N-heterocyclic organometallic compounds have been applied for the polymerization on account of their modest cost, low toxicity, and the large availability of transition metals in stable and variable oxidation states, which makes them versatile precursors for these reactions. The main points of focus in this review are the key advances made over more the past 25 years in the design and development of non-metallocene single-site organometallic catalysts bearing different N-heterocyclic scaffolds as a backbone. These catalysts are applied as precursors for the transformation of ethylene, higher α-olefins, and cyclic olefins into oligo/polymers. Emphasis is placed on the architecture of ligand peripheries for tuning the formed polymer properties and the consequences on product formation of different alkyl or aryl substituents directly attached to the metal center in a N-heterocyclic ligand system.     

Influence of surface morphology on the colloidal and electronic behavior of conjugated polymer-silica microspheres

A template approach to the synthesis of a series of conjugated polymer-mesoporous silica composite microspheres is described. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(thiophene), and poly( N-methylpyrrole) composites were prepared. The surface morphology of the samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, and it was found that well-defined, monodisperse colloidal materials could only be prepared when the monomer is insoluble in the polymerization medium. The filling of the mesopores was systematically varied from 0% to 100%, and powder X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption studies were used to confirm the pore filling. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the polymer loading tracks the monomer loading in an asymptotic fashion. Conductivity measurements show that the conductivity of the PEDOT materials is relatively constant at high polymer loadings but decreases exponentially at low loadings. Measurements of the electrophoretic mobility were made in order to explain this behavior. These data suggest that, at high polymer loadings, the particle surface is characteristic of the polymer, while at low polymer loadings it is characteristic of the silica host. These results identify important design criteria for the template synthesis of a variety of new colloidal materials. Importantly, these optimized parameters may open the door to the preparation of colloids and colloidal crystals of previously unprocessable materials.     

Hybrid polymer-immobilized palladium nanoparticles: Preparation and catalytic properties

A new approach to the synthesis of mixed-type immobilized catalysts was developed: the frontal polymerization of a metal-containing monomer in the presence of a highly dispersed mineral support. The synthesis of an acrylamide complex of Pd(II) nitrate on the surface of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, or C and its subsequent polymerization and reduction resulted in the formation of an organic-inorganic composite that included nanosized Pd particles stabilized by a polymer matrix and an inorganic support. The resulting hybrid nanocomposites are efficient and selective catalysts for the hydrogenation reactions of cyclohexene and alkene and acetylene alcohols.     

Minimization of the auxiliary reagent loading for direct arylation polymerization (DArP) of 2‐bromo‐3‐hexylthiophene

In this work, we present a powerful set of synthetic strategies aimed at minimization of auxiliary reagent loading for direct arylation polymerization (DArP) of 2‐bromo‐3‐hexylthiophene. As such, we report efficient lowering of Pd(OAc)₂ catalyst loading as well as loading of other auxiliary reagents, such as neodecanoic acid and N,N‐dimethylacetamide. Unprecedented low loadings of catalyst down to 0.0313% (313 ppm) were achieved, while producing polymer in high yield (91% after Soxhlet extraction), with a high molecular weight (24.2 kDa) and carefully controlled chemical structure thus making the optimized DArP protocol significantly more cost‐effective, convenient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. The resulting polymer samples were thoroughly investigated in terms of their chemical structure as well as optical, thermal, chain ordering and electronic properties using GPC analysis, ¹H NMR, MALDI, UV–vis, GIXRD spectroscopy, DSC, and SCLC hole mobility measurements. The results demonstrate that the reagent lowering strategies increase the polymer regioregularity from 94.6 to 96.5% as evidenced by ¹H NMR spectra and corroborated by GIXRD, DSC, and UV–vis measurements. Additionally, polymer samples obtained at low reagent loading are more uniformly proton‐terminated as evidenced by ¹H NMR and MALDI end‐group analysis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 1492–1499     

Synthesis and characterization of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate. I. Synthesis of crystalline DL-poly-β-hydroxybutyrate from DL-β-butyrolactone

The polymerization of β-butyrolactone was investigated as a possible monomer for a proposed synthesis of the naturally occurring polyester, D -poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (D -PHB). The racemic DL -monomer was used in this initial study to determine the best conditions and catalyst system for use in a subsequent study of the polymerization of optically active β-butyrolactone. In so doing it was found that certain organometallic catalysts (Et₂Zn and Et₃Al) plus a cocatalyst of water produced highly crystalline samples of polyester from the racemic monomer. This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of the racemic polymer obtained using these catalyst systems, and compares the results obtained with certain other catalysts that were also investigated for this purpose. Examination of the DL -PHB by infrared, NMR, x-ray, and electron microscopy shows that it is possible to synthesize a crystalline racemic polymer that is virtually identical (excepting optical activity) to the naturally occurring polymer, D -PHB.     

Reactivity of metal-containing monomers 66. Hydrogenation of nitrotoluene derivatives in the presence of polymer-immobilized Pd nanoparticles

A new approach to the synthesis of immobilized catalysts of the mixed type was developed: frontal polymerization of metal-containing monomers in the presence of a highly dispersed inorganic support. The synthesis of the acrylamide complex of Pd^II nitrate on the SiO₂ surface followed by polymerization and reduction results in the formation of a polymer-inorganic composite with inclusions of Pd nanoparticles stabilized by the polymer matrix on the support surface. The study of the catalytic properties in the hydrogenation of nitrotoluene derivatives showed that the polymer-immobilized Pd nanoparticles on the inorganic support are efficient catalysts for the reduction of the nitrocompounds.     

Polymerization of isoprene with cobalt catalysts

The polymerization of isoprene with catalytic systems efficient for the cis polymerization of butadiene, i.e., cobalt 2-ethyl hexanoate-diethylaluminum chloride and cobalt 2-ethyl hexanoate-ethylaluminum sesquichloride, is studied. The catalysts are obtained via in situ mixing of the components or at a reduced temperature (0–5°C) in the presence of a small amount of the monomer. In situ polymerization proceeds with an induction period, whose duration depends on the polymerization conditions, or without this period if a preformed catalyst is used. In each case, the resulting polymer is characterized by a mixed microstructure with a predominant content of cis-1,4 units and 3,4 units.     

Modular approach for the development of supported, monofunctionalized, salen catalysts

We report a modular approach toward polymer-supported, metalated, salen catalysts. This strategy is based on the synthesis of monofunctionalized Mn- and Co-salen complexes attached to a norbornene monomer via a stable phenylene-acetylene linker. The resulting functionalized monomers can be polymerized in a controlled fashion using ring-opening metathesis polymerization. This polymerization method allows for the synthesis of copolymers, resulting in an unprecedented control over the catalyst density and catalytic-site isolation. The obtained polymeric manganese and cobalt complexes were successfully used as supported catalysts for the asymmetric epoxidation of olefins and the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of epoxides. All polymeric catalysts showed outstanding catalytic activities and selectivities comparable to the original catalysts reported by Jacobsen. Moreover, the copolymer-supported catalysts are more active and selective than their homopolymer analogues, providing further proof that catalyst density and site isolation are key toward highly active and selective supported salen catalysts.     

Plant oils: The perfect renewable resource for polymer science?!

Already for a long time, plant oils and their derivatives have been used by polymer chemists due to their renewable nature, world wide availability, relatively low price, and their rich application possibilities. Although many different synthetic approaches have been used, more recent examples are pointing in the direction of catalytic transformations and other efficient reactions to achieve a more sustainable production of polymers from these renewable resources. In this context, olefin metathesis, thiol–ene additions, and other processes can contribute not only to a more efficient synthesis of plant oil based polymers, but also to broaden the application possibilities of plant oils. This feature article provides an overview of the present situation with special attention to the use of olefin metathesis and thiol–ene chemistry as synthetic methods and as polymerization techniques.     

Production of organic acids from biomass resources

Catalytic synthesis of valuable organic acids such as lactic acid, levulinic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, 2, 5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), and sugar acids (e.g. gluconic acid and glucosaminic acid) from renewable carbon resources is of high interest for a sustainable chemical industry in the future. A number of efficient catalytic systems have been recently developed to convert biomass into organic acids. Herein we highlight new strategies and catalysts that are effective for the transformations. The mechanisms and catalyst functions involved in several typical reactions are analyzed for the rational design of more efficient catalytic systems.     

三氟甲磺酸稀土催化ε-己内酯开环聚合

采用三氟甲磺酸稀土(镧、钕、铒)作为单组分催化剂催化了ε-己内酯的本体开环聚合反应. 考察了稀土元素种类、催化剂浓度、聚合时间及温度对单体转化率和聚合产物分子量的影响. 该类催化剂在催化聚合过程中具有单一活性中心, 且催化活性较高. 此聚合反应可能是通过阳离子活性末端链聚合机理进行的.     

Perspective on metal-mediated polar monomer/alkene copolymerization

A major unsolved problem in polymer synthesis is the design of efficient metal-mediated systems for the copolymerization of alkenes with polar vinyl monomers, such as acrylates and methacrylates. There are several reasons for the absence of efficient transition metal-based insertion copolymerization catalysts. First, following insertion, the ester group of the acrylate coordinates to the metal thereby hindering subsequent monomer coordination. A second reason stems from the preferred 2,1-insertion of acrylates into metal-carbon bonds resulting in the placement of the ester group on the α-carbon. This makes the metal-alkyl species particularly prone to homolysis because of the enhanced stability of the resultant alkyl radical, one that is essentially the same as the propagating species in radical-initiated acrylate polymerization. In this perspective we focus on this issue of facile metal-carbon bond homolysis, especially following acrylate insertion, using examples from our own work. We suggest ways to circumvent these issues, for example forcing 1,2-insertion by imposing steric crowding at the metal. Finally, we discuss the danger of relying on radical traps as probes for polymerization mechanism. Radical traps can react with metal-hydrides and attenuate metal-centered nonradical reactions. However, even when radical traps fail to stop an observed polymerization, it may be wrong to conclude that a nonradical mechanism is at work since the traps can be destroyed under certain reaction conditions.     

Polyisonitriles. II. Heterophasic catalytic synthesis of poly(α-phenylethylisonitrile) and of poly(n-hexylisonitrile)

A three-component catalytic system has been discovered, which successfully polymerizes α-phenylethylisonitrile to high polymer (DP = 200–900) and also polymerizes n-hexylisonitrile. The catalyst components are a strong acid, a free-radical source, and a heterophase and are all necessary in this system. The use of a liquid medium in which the polymer is insoluble promotes the rate of polymerization and total yield. Poly(α-phenylethylisonitrile), formed from monomer in a presence of oxygen and finely ground glass coated with sulfuric acid, can itself serve, in the presence of monomer and oxygen, as a catalyst for this polymerization. Preparative details and discussion of these synthesis factors are given.