Photocrosslinking of elastomer systems. II. Ultraviolet light-induced reactions in an EPDM modified by grafting of benzoin derivatives

Photocrosslinking experiments were performed on elastomeric polymer films (EPDM) previously modified by grafting a photosensitive initiator (benzoin derivative) onto the macromolecular backbone. This modification was performed by a series of Friedel–Crafts reactions and the resulting materials were characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy in conjunction with model reactions. After ultraviolet (UV) irradiation the photocrosslinked samples were studied by IR spectroscopy in conjunction with the measurement of physical properties. It apperared that grafting the photosensitizer onto the elastomer considerably enhances the crosslinking reaction even with a limited quantity of grafted benzoin derivative. Moreover, the results obtained suggest that the structure of the resulting networks is strongly dependent on the crosslinking process used; that is, curing the elastomer with peroxide or UV irradiation either of a blend of elastomer and photosensitizer or of the same elastomer modified by grafting the chromophore.     

Synthesis of 1H-imidazo[3′,4′:4,5]thieno[2,3-b]pyridines. A new ring system

A facile and convenient synthesis of the title compounds is described, using as starting materials the 2-nitro-3-aminothieno[2,3-b]pyridines. Mass spectral data of the above mentioned compounds are briefly discussed.     

Unexpectedly large electronic contribution to linear magnetoelectricity

We show that the electronic part of the linear magnetoelectric response, usually omitted in first-principles studies, can be comparable in magnitude to that mediated by polar lattice distortions, even in strong magnetoelectrics. Using a self-consistent response to a Zeeman field for noncollinear spins, we show how polarization emerges in magnetoelectrics through both electronic and lattice contributions--analogous to the high- and low-frequency responses of dielectrics. The approach we use is computationally simple, and can be used to study linear and nonlinear responses to magnetic fields.     

Photocatalyzed Synthesis of 3-Substituted Phthalides: A Key Access to (±)-Herbaric Acid

An efficient organophotocatalyzed protocol was developed for the preparation of 3-substituted phthalides. The presented transformation was performed under particularly mild conditions within 6 h and was ultimately applied to a precursor of the herbaric acid.