Photooxidation of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) in the solid state and in aqueous solution

The photooxidation of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) in the solid state and in an aqueous solution has been studied under irradiation at long wavelengths (at λ ≥ 300 nm) and in the presence of oxygen, as these conditions of irradiation are those of natural outdoor aging. Infrared spectroscopy was used to follow the photochemical evolution of the polymer either for solid films of PVP or for PVP irradiated in an aqueous solution. Chemical treatments (NH₃, SF₄) were carried out on the photooxidized samples, and aqueous solutions of PVP were characterized by viscometry and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Based on photooxidation results obtained in both the solid state and in an aqueous solution, a general mechanism that accounts for the main routes of oxidation is proposed. It was shown that the rates of oxidation and the stoichiometries of the reactions were strongly influenced by the physical state of the polymer (solid state or aqueous solution).     

Study of ordered structures of syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) in solution and in the solid state

From analysis of infrared spectra it was found that in syndiotactic (s) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in solution, long s sequences contain an increased population of diads with a skeletal conformation tt (in the staggered approximation). Self-aggregation of s-PMMA in solution leads to a further increase of the fraction of long s sequences in the extended chain conformation, and to an ordering of easter groups. When solid s-PMMA is isolated from a solution in which it exists in the aggregated state, these characteristics are preserved in the solid. The polymer appears partially crystalline by x-ray scattering, and it exhibits fibrillar morphology under the electron microscope. Ordered structures of s-PMMA melt at temperatures about 150°C, while the presence of residual solvent decreases the temperature of melting. Solid s-PMMA obtained from solutions in which aggregation of the polymer does not take place, like s-PMMA which did not come into contact with solvent, contains a higher proportion of syndiotactic diads with a skeletal conformation tg; these samples are amorphous and morphologically structureless. Analogies between the structure of ordered s-PMMA and the structure of the PMMA stereocomplex are also discussed.     

Miscibility studies of poly(3-octylthiophene)/poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) blends with a solvatochromatic shift in the solid state

The mixing of electrically conducting polymers in the undoped state with flexible polymers has been limited due to the stiffness of the delocalized coplanar backbone. The substitution with alkyl side chains has resulted in the distortion of the aromatic rings in the backbone with an increase of the flexibility. The alkyl substituents also prevent the thiophene back-bones from packing together, thus making blending with other polymers promising. We have investigated the phase behavior of poly(3-octylthiophene) (P3OT) with a flexible polymer, poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) (vinylacetate composition 20%, EVA20), and defined a miscibility window based on melting point data, on cloud point measurements, and on analysis by optical microscopy. The miscible region has been studied by UV-VIS and CPMAS NMR spectroscopies. A UV absorption in the visible region originates from a π-π ^* transition in the delocalized structure of P3OT, and a change in the length of the conjugated segment in the backbone results in a shift of this absorption. A gradual solvatochromatic shift of P3OT in the solid state with dilution was observed in the miscible region. T₁ relaxation times for the methylene carbons in solid state show a gradual change in the relaxation process as a function of composition. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

FTIR assessment of poly(ethylene oxide) irradiated in solid state,melt and aqeuous solution

FTIR spectroscopy was used to study poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, irradiated in solid and molten aggregate states and as aqueous solutions of various concentrations. The changes in shape and width of –C–O–C– complex absorption intensities at around 1112 cm^?1 were the most prominent. On irradiation of solid samples in contact with air shrinking of –C–O–C– complex and increase in its absorption intensities indicated predominant degradation. Crosslinking prevailed on irradiation of molten PEO and of its aqueous solutions in nitrogen atmosphere and manifested itself as widening of –C–O–C– absorption and decrease of corresponding intensities. Partial or complete merging of CH₂ wagging vibrations at 1342 cm^?1 and 1360 cm^?1 that are characteristic of crystalline PEO into a single absorption at around 1350 cm^?1 indicated amorphization what was observed for samples that had reduced degree of crystallinity determined by differential scanning calorimetry. DSC could not discriminate between degradation and crosslinking while the changes in width and shape of –C–O–C– complex were independent of the changes in crystallinity. Comparison of FTIR spectra of the same PEO samples obtained as thin film and as KBr pellets revealed that pellet preparation results in a number of spectral artefacts.     

Molecular motion in poly(L-histidine) in the solid state

Molecular motions in poly(L -histidine) (PLH) and its hydrochloride in the solid state have been studied by NMR and dielectric measurements. Four relaxation processes, β,γ,δ, and ε, are observed for PLH. The δ relaxation is assigned to rotation of an imidazole ring about the C^β? C^γ bond, since the observed activation energy of 2.7 kcal/mole agrees with the calculated energy barrier for rotation of the central imidazole ring about C^β? C^γ in an imidazole trimer model and the experimentally determined dielectric relaxation strength is consistent with the theoretically estimated value based on the two-state transition theory. The γ relaxation was attributed to the restricted rotational motion about C^α? C^β. The β relaxation is related to motion of water molecules bound by PLH. The ε relaxation is assigned to the wagging mode of imidazole groups in the defect region as observed for polymers containing pendent aromatic rings. No relaxation is observed in the hydrochloride of PLH due to the increased interaction between imidazolium cations as side groups. This is confirmed by the comparison of dipole moments of protonated and deprotonated imidazoles estimated by molecular-orbital calculations.     

Energy transfer from poly(vinyl carbazole) to a fluorene-vinylene copolymer in solution and in the solid state

This article reports a comparative study of the energy transfer processes in solution and the solid state from poly(vinyl carbazole; the donor) to dimethylphenyl-terminated poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-divinylene-fluorene)-co-alt-{2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene}] (the acceptor). The results in solutions suggest that a decrease of the donor emission intensity with an increasing acceptor concentration is more closely related to the trivial energy transfer process, indicating that the donor and acceptor chains are not in close contact during the lifetime of the donor excited state. This conclusion was reached using the amplitude-averaged lifetime of the donor, which is practically independent of the acceptor concentration. In the solid state, the polymer blends showed a decrease in the donor emission with an increasing acceptor concentration, and a decrease in the donor lifetime was also observed. Thus, in the solid state, changes in morphology interfere with the nonradiative resonant energy transfer process, but influence on the trivial process cannot be completely neglected. The lifetime does not follow a continuous decrease with the PFO-MEHPV concentration like the emission intensity does. The changes in the lifetime values occur over the same concentration range as do the changes of morphology, as shown by the scanning electron micrographs.     

Spectroscopic studies of iron(III) complexes of D-saccharose and D-glucose in the solid state and in solution

Iron(III) complexes of D-saccharose and D-glucose were prepared. The compositions of the complexes were determined by standard analytical methods. The Mössbauer spectra reflected the presence of high-spin iron(III) in the polynuclear species. EPR spectroscopy demonstrated antiferromagnetically coupled iron(III) centers within the solid complexes. The¹³C NMR spectra indicated the presence of a mixture of coordination isomers of iron(III) complexes containing the sugar ligand in differently bound forms.This work is dedicated to the memory of Dr. L. Korecz.     

NMR studies of the tautomerism of cyclo-tris(4-R-2,6-pyridylformamidine) in solution and in the solid state

Two novel cyclo-tris(4-R-2,6-pyridylformamidine)s (R = H, CH(3)) have been studied by solution- and solid-state NMR. Both compounds show fast exchange of NH protons in dimethyl sulfoxide at room temperature. The E-syn configuration of the formamidine group with the NH protons in the outer ring position could be proved by low-temperature (1)H NMR experiments. The influence of deuteration of the NH group on the exchange rate has been demonstrated qualitatively. Proton exchange at the formamidine groups results in both a symmetric (S) and an asymmetric (A) isomer which could be spectroscopically identified and characterized at 193 K. Whereas two degenerate forms exist for S, six degenerate A forms can be distinguished. Prototropic tautomerism at one formamidine group results in exchange from S into A, whereas A is transformed to a degenerate A form or to S. It could be shown that some transitions between substructures are impossible by a single -NH-CH=N-/-N=CH-NH- exchange. The S isomer with three equivalent formamidine groups is the preferred isomer in solution as indicated by the S/A ratio at 193 K. From this result we conclude that in polyformamidines, ordered sequences of formamidine tautomers are also formed at low temperatures. Prototropic exchange was not observed in the solid state, neither by (13)C nor by (15)N solid-state NMR. For one trimer (R = CH(3)), three molecules dimethyl sulfoxide per trimer molecule are within the lattice as could be proved by (13)C CPMAS NMR.     

Conformation of poly(S-(2-N-carbazolylethyl)-L-cysteine) in the solid state

The β-forming characteristics of poly(S-(2-N-carbazolylethyl)-L -cysteine), (CELC)_n, were examined by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The film of (CELC)₃₉ cast from tetrahydrofuran (THF) showed the typical spectrum of the antiparallel β-form with the amide I band at 1630 cm^?1, whereas that of (CELC)₂₀₀ from dimethylformamide (DMF) or pyridine exhibited the amide I band at 1640 cm^?1 which shifted to 1630 cm^?1 on heating at 100°C for 5 min. As a result of the examination of the spectral variation due to the degree of polymerization, casting solvents, casting temperatures, and heat treatment, together with the evaluation of interaction constants for intermolecular hydrogen bonds, the band at 1640 cm^?1 was attributed to the antiparallel-chain pleated sheet (designated as β′-form) with weaker hydrogen bond strength than that of the usual antiparallel β-form. The β′-β-transformation is discussed in terms of the rigidity of the side-chain region.     

Np(V) carbonates in solid state and aqueous solution

The solubility of NaNpO₂CO₃(s) in 0.1M perchlorate solution at 25°C in equilibrium with 1.0% CO₂/N₂ atmosphere has been investigated as a function of pH/lg [CO₃ ^2-]. The solid phase was found hexagonal with a=1008.1±0.3 pm and c=991.1±0.2 pm. A solubility product of lg Ksp(NaNpO₂CO₃)=–10.22±0.02 and a formation constant of the first Np(V) carbonato species of lg ß₀₁ = 4.52±0.02 was evaluated. For the dicarbonato species an upper limit of lg lg ß₀₂ < 6.6 was derived. Comparison of the present data with solubility values of Np(V) in equilibrium with 0.03% CO₂ partial pressure gave evidence that carbonato species are prevailing in solutions at both 1% and 0.03% CO₂ partial pressures.     

On the solid state phases of poly(trans-1,4-butadiene)

Summary The method of semiempiric-atomistic calculations is applied to a polydiene. For this purpose a Coulomb term has to be added to a potential set used successfully for polyolefines. All stable 4 *p/q helices of poly(trans-1,4-butadiene) are calculated. This yields a conformation for the low temperature phase which is in agreement with X-ray data in the literature. Chain conformations are proposed for the high temperature phase carefully considering the energies (determined in the single chain approximation) and the packing properties.Experimentelly, the enthalpy and entropy differences between the phases, calculated only intramolecularly, are determined by high pressure dilatometry and calorimetry. A commercial material is investigated in the full pressure range up to 3 kbar; for low pressure dilatometry and calormetry a purely trans polymer, initially in extended chain conformation, is used. Experimental data are compared with calculated values and discrepancies are discussed.

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Zusammenfassung Die Methode der semiempirisch-atomistischen Rechnung wird auf ein Polydien angewendet. Dazu wird ein bei Polyolefinen bewährter Potentialsatz um einen Coulombterm erweitert. Berechnet werden alle stabilen 4 *p/q Helices des Poly-trans-1,4-butadiens, und es ergibt sich eine Konformation für die Tieftemperaturphase, die mit Röntgendaten in der Literatur übereinstimmt. Für die Hochtemperaturphase werden Kettenkonformationen vorgeschlagen, bei denen die in der Einzelkettennäherung bestimmte Energie und die Packung berücksichtigt wird.Die Enthalpie- und Entropieunterschiede zwischen beiden Phasen, die bisher nur intramolekular berechnet sind, werden experimentell mit den Methoden der Hochdruckdilatometrie und der Kalorimetrie bestimmt. Dabei wird im Hochdruckbereich bis 3 kbar ein handelsübliches Material gemessen, im Niederdruckbereich und kalorimetrisch aber ein reines trans-Polymeres, das anfangs gestrecktkettig vorliegt. Die experimentellen Werte werden mit den berechneten verglichen, und ihre Unterschiede werden diskutiert.

     

Spectral and photophysical studies on cruciform oligothiophenes in solution and the solid state

The photophysical and spectroscopic properties of a new class of oligothiophene derivatives, designated as cruciform oligomers, have been investigated in solution (room and low temperature) and in the solid state (as thin films in Zeonex matrixes). The study comprises absorption, emission, and triplet-triplet absorption spectra, together with quantitative measurements of quantum yields (fluorescence, intersystem crossing, internal conversion, and singlet oxygen formation) and lifetimes. The overall data allow the determination of the rate constants for all decay processes. From these, several conclusions are drawn. First, in solution, the main deactivation channels for the compounds are the radiationless processes: S(1) --> S(0) internal conversion and S(1) --> T(1) intersystem crossing. Second, in general, in the solid state, the fluorescence quantum yields decrease relative to solution. A comparison is made with the analogous linear alpha-oligothiophenes, revealing a lower fluorescence quantum efficiency and, in contrast to the normal oligothiophenes, that internal conversion is an important channel for the deactivation of the singlet excited state. Replacement of thiophene by 1,4-phenylene units in the longer-sized cruciform oligomer increases the fluorescence efficiency. The highly efficient generation of singlet oxygen through energy transfer from the triplet state (S(Delta) approximately 1) provides support for the measured intersystem crossing quantum yields and suggests that reaction with this may be an important pathway to consider for degradation of devices produced with these compounds.     

Radiation-induced degradation and crosslinking of poly(ethylene oxide) in solid state

The effects of g-irradiation on solid poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) of an initial weight-average molecular weight of 6.3^.10⁵ Da were investigated by gel permeation chromatography and viscometry. The parameters studied were changes in number- and weight-average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and viscosity of PEO in aqueous solution. Irradiation of poly(ethylene oxide) powder in the presence of oxygen leads to the dominance of chain scission reactions. Their high radiation-chemical yield [G(scission) » 2.5^.10^-6 mol/J] indicates the occurrence of effective chain reactions. Upon irradiation in vacuum, crosslinking and scission occur side-by-side and the changes in molecular weight are less pronounced in the studied dose range (up to 20 kGy). Scission dominates for doses up to ca. 15 kGy, while for higher doses intermolecular crosslinking gains in importance. The competition between these processes seems to depend not only on the applied dose but also to be influenced by the inhomogenity of the material (molecular weight and/or possibly the crystallinity). Parallel occurrence of scission and crosslinking leads to the broadening of the molecular weight distribution.     

Thermal decomposition of solid state poly(β-L-malic acid)

Thermal decomposition process of solid state poly(β -L-malic acid) was traced by DSC combined with FT-IR. Melting temperature of this partially crystallized polymer was detected at 46-60°C. The thermal decomposition initiated at ca 185°C accompanied by an evolution of gaseous products. In contrast to the cleavage reaction in the aqueous polymer solutions which gives L-malic acid and corresponding dimer of L-malic acid, the solid state poly(β -L-malic acid) decomposed at above the decomposition temperature giving not the constituent L-malic acid but fumaric acid at the first stage of the reaction then, maleic and maleic anhydride. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

ESR and ESE studies on polymer semiconductors of weakly doped poly(tetrathiafulvalene)

In the studied poly(tetrathiafulvalenes), PTTF, the TTF units are linked via phenyl groups or via tetrahydroanthracene bridges. The PTTF are doped with oxygen and with iodine respectively. The electrical conductivity strongly depends on temperature as it is typical of semiconducting materials. The existence of various types of paramagnetic centres is confirmed by ESR saturation experiments, by spectra simulation and by electron spin echo (ESE) measurements in the temperature region of 2 K to 400 K. At room temperature the doped PTTF have a dc conductivity between 10⁻⁹ Scm⁻¹ and 10⁻⁴ Scm⁻¹. Relations between the concentration of various radicals and the electrical conductivity of the polymers are discussed by means of a model based on mobile and immobile radicals, polarons and bipolarons. There are experimental indications for temperature-dependent formation and break-up of bipolarons which are discussed in the paper.     

In situ spectroelectrochemical studies on ladder-type oligomers in solution and the solid state

A series of thermally stable fluoranthenopyracylene oligomers with extended pi conjugation were studied by in situ ESR-UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry with respect to their application in devices such as organic light-emitting diodes and field-effect transistors. The oligomers are both soluble in o-dichlorobenzene and form thin films by evaporation in the temperature range of 300-500 degrees C in vacuum. Their electrochemical behavior was studied in reduction (n doping) and oxidation (p doping) under standard voltammetric and thin-layer conditions. The HOMO and LUMO energies and the band gaps of all compounds under study were estimated from both electrochemical and UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopic data. The fluorene-type oligomers A(2)-A(6) and B(2) bearing flexible alkyl chains exhibit both reversible multistep reductions and oxidations. The spectroelectrochemistry indicates substantial differences in delocalization of the positive and negative charges in these ladder-type oligomers. The formation of doubly charged sigma dimers was observed for the first time for both the radical anion and radical cation of the same molecule (B(1)). The redox behavior of the oligomers was studied in the solid state and in solution.     

Aggregation of star-shaped tris(tetrathiafulvalenylethynyl) benzene in solution and in the solid state

Neutral hexabutylthio-1,3,5-tris(tetrathiafulvalenylethynyl)benzene aggregates in CD₃CN-CDCl₃ and CDCl₃, whereas stronger stacking of the cationic counterparts in solution has been observed. In the solid state, X-ray analysis of hexamethylthio-1,3,5-tris(tetrathiafulvalenylethynyl)-benzene shows a columnar structure, reflecting the threefold face-to-face stacking interaction of the TTF units.