Versatile functional poly(3‐hexylthiophene) for hybrid particles synthesis by the grafting onto technique: Core@shell ZnO nanorods

We demonstrate an efficient strategy to anchor poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) onto zinc oxide (ZnO) surfaces. Synthesis of a novel triethoxysilane‐terminated regioregular P3HT is herein reported and supported by thorough characterization. Three triethoxysilane‐terminated P3HTs of different molar masses were prepared via a hydrosilylation reaction from allyl‐terminated P3HT. MALDI‐TOF and ¹H NMR were performed to characterize the polymer and show that around 80% of the chains are end‐functionalized. These polymers were then grafted onto the ZnO nanorods to create a macromolecular self‐assembled monolayer. This versatile technique could be subsequently applied to different metal oxide surfaces, such as silicon, titanium, or indium‐tin oxide, and represents a new one‐pot strategy based on triethoxysilane coupling reaction. Importantly, the influence of the molar mass on the grafting density and the polymer shell thickness was studied via thermo gravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The optical properties of the hybrid materials were determined by UV–visible absorption and photoluminescence to show a quenching effect of P3HT fluorescence by ZnO when grafted. This electronic transfer associated with an improved miscibility of the ZnO@P3HT, makes these hybrid materials suitable candidates for photovoltaic applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 30–38     

Phosphorus Containing Tri-and Hexamacrocycles

Abstract

Multisite receptors containing more than two macrocyclic cavities. despite of the fact that their syntheses, most often, require sophisticated pathways, arc of very high interest since they may allow new insights into ion channel transfer, ion conduction.[1] We report here a method which combine simple reactions, high yields (80%), with easily prepared starting reagents[2], of two new polymacrocyclic system, a tri-(r) and an hexamacrocyck(II). They were obtained by a condensation reaction between 4-formylbenzo-15-crown-5 (3 or 6 quiv, respectively) and phosphouihydrazide (1 equiv.) or hexahydrazide (1 equiv.) in tetrahydrofuran.     

KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE REACTION BETWEEN OLIGOSILOXANES AND P-TRICHLORO-N-DICHLOROPHOSPHORYL MONOPHOSPHAZENE (Cl3P[dbnd]N-POCl2)

Abstract

³¹P NMR investigation has been made of the action of Cl₃P[dbnd]N-POCl₂(I) first on hexamethyldisiloxane (Me₃Si)₂O and then on oligosiloxanes Me₃Si-(OSiMe₂)_n-OSiMe₃ n = 2 and n=3. The reactions were carried out in bulk or in solution with molar ratios siloxane/(I) varying from I to 5. It was demonstrated that only the monosubstitution of a chlorine atom by the -(OSiMe₂)_n,-OSiMe₃ species n = 0, 2, 3 with elimination of trimethylchlorosilane occurred leading to the derivatives Cl₂OP-N[dbnd]PCl₂O(SiMe₂-O)_nSiMe₃ (II). For n=2, 3 the siloxane redistribution reactions were observed by ²⁹Si NMR analysis. A two steps mechanism is proposed. consisting in a nucleophilic substitution, involving a tricoordinate phosphazenium intermediate, followed by the formation of an active ionic centre probably an oxonium ion, arising from the solvatation by the siloxane of this phosphazeniurn ion and /or of (II) leading to the redistribution reactions. The influences of the solvent, of trimethylchlorosilane, of the temperature, and of the addition of a protonated species (MDH) were investigated.     

A lower bound estimate of the critical load for compressible elastic solids

We determine lower bound estimates for the critical load for hyperelastic solids under monotonic dead load processes. By considering the Hadamard criterion of infinitesimal stability, we first determine a lower bound for the Hadamard stability functional; then, we develop a procedure for optimal lower bound estimates for the critical load. As examples, we apply our procedure to generalized Blatz-Ko solids under simple extension, simple compression and rectilinear shear, and compare our results with other proposals contained in the literature.     

Multi-period forecasting and scenario generation with limited data

Data for optimization problems often comes from (deterministic) forecasts, but it is naïve to consider a forecast as the only future possibility. A more sophisticated approach uses data to generate alternative future scenarios, each with an attached probability. The basic idea is to estimate the distribution of forecast errors and use that to construct the scenarios. Although sampling from the distribution of errors comes immediately to mind, we propose instead to approximate rather than sample. Benchmark studies show that the method we propose works well.     

Nucleation of Organic Crystals—A Molecular Perspective

The outcome of synthetic procedures for crystalline organic materials strongly depends on the first steps along the molecular self‐assembly pathway, a process we know as crystal nucleation. New experimental techniques and computational methodologies have spurred significant interest in understanding the detailed molecular mechanisms by which nuclei form and develop into macroscopic crystals. Although classical nucleation theory (CNT) has served well in describing the kinetics of the processes involved, new proposed nucleation mechanisms are additionally concerned with the evolution of structure and the competing nature of crystallization in polymorphic systems. In this Review, we explore the extent to which CNT and nucleation rate measurements can yield molecular‐scale information on this process and summarize current knowledge relating to molecular self‐assembly in nucleating systems.     

Real-Time Monitoring of the Mechanical Properties of a Soy Protein and Rubber Polymer during its Production Using Transient Infrared Spectroscopy

Soy protein–based polymers offer promising performance properties, but their characteristics are sensitively dependent on production conditions, so on-line monitoring could help provide the needed control during production. Mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with partial least squares offer the needed analysis, but the opacity of many materials in the mid-infrared range limits its conventional application. Transient infrared spectroscopy is a method of acquiring mid-infrared spectra from moving streams in real time that avoids the opacity problem. We apply transient infrared spectroscopy to a polymer of soy protein and polyisoprene-graft-maleic anhydride–modified natural rubber during its compounding extrusion to measure tensile strength and Young's modulus.     

Atypical Oxidation Reaction by Thionyl Chloride: Easy Two‐Step Synthesis of N‐Alkyl‐1,4‐dithiines

Easy two‐step synthesis of a series of dithiines was performed from succinic anhydride via cyclization of the corresponding 4‐(alkylamino)‐4‐oxobutanoic acids (succinamic acids). The reaction, carried out in polar aprotic solvents, gave 4,8‐dithiine‐indacene‐1,3,5,7‐tetraones (diimides 3) via 3,7‐bis‐4,8‐dithia‐indacene‐1,5‐diones (diisoimides 2), which could be isolated. Surprisingly, in this reaction, thionyl chloride appeared as an oxidant, and this process seemed to be useful for the syntheses of S‐containing heterocyclic compounds such as 1,4‐dithiins. A mechanistic pathway was considered.