Synthesis of well‐defined side chain fullerene polymers and study of their self‐aggregation behaviors

Monoalkynyl‐functionalized fullerene was precisely synthesized starting with pristine fullerene (C₆₀) and characterized by multiple techniques. Methyl methacrylate and 6‐azido hexyl methacrylate were then randomly copolymerized via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization to build polymer backbones with well‐controlled molecular weights and copolymer compositions. Finally, these two moieties were covalently assembled into a series of well‐defined side chain fullerene polymers (SFPs) via the copper‐mediated click reaction which was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ¹H NMR. The fullerene loadings of the resultant polymers were estimated by thermogravimetric analysis and UV–vis spectroscopy, demonstrating consistent and high conversions in most of the samples. The morphology studies of the SFPs were performed both in solution and on solid substrates. Very intriguing self‐aggregation behaviors were detected by both gel permeation chromatography and dynamic light scattering analyses. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopic images of these polymers showed the formation of various supramolecular nanoparticle assemblies and crystalline‐like clusters depending on the fullerene contents and polymer chain lengths. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3572–3582     

Design and synthesis of novel indoline-(thio)urea hybrids

Abstract

A series of novel indoline-(thio)urea were designed and prepared using indoline(s) as a new platform and tested as organocatalysts in the Michael and Morita–Baylis–Hillman reactions. Most of the compounds were found to be very active catalysts although they did not promote the enantioselectivity. As agents for the conversion of thiocarbonyl compounds into carbonyl compounds, potentials of PIFA and DDQ were also displayed. Furthermore, DFT calculations rationalized the experimentally observed non-enantioselectivity of the catalysts.     

Tuning the sugar‐response of boronic acid block copolymers

A detailed study of the pH‐ and sugar‐responsive behavior of poly(3‐acrylamidophenylboronic acid pinacol ester)‐b‐poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) (PAPBAE‐b‐PDMA) block copolymers is presented. Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of the pinacol ester of 3‐acrylamidophenylboronic acid resulted in homopolymers with molecular weights between 12,000 and 37,000 g/mol. The resulting homopolymers were employed as macro‐chain transfer agents during the polymerization of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMA). Successful chain extension and removal of the pinacol protecting groups to yield poly(3‐acrylamidophenylboronic acid)‐b‐PDMA (PAPBA‐b‐PDMA) with free boronic acid moieties resulted in pH‐ and sugar‐responsive block copolymers that were subsequently investigated for their behavior in aqueous solution. The PAPBA‐b‐PDMA block copolymers were capable of solution self‐assembly due to the PAPBA block being water‐insoluble below its pK_a. The resulting aggregates were demonstrated to solubilize and release model hydrophobic compounds, as demonstrated by fluorescence studies. Dissociation of the aggregates was induced by raising the pH above the pK_a of the boronic acid residues or by adding sugars capable of forming boronate esters. Aggregate size, dissociation kinetics, and the effect of various sugars were considered. The critical sugar concentration needed to induce aggregate dissociation was tuned by incorporation of hydrophilic DMA units within the PAPBA responsive segment to yield PDMA‐b‐poly(3‐acrylamidophenylboronic acid‐co‐DMA) block copolymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

One-Pot Stereoselective Synthesis of Alkyl (Z)-2-[4-Oxo-3-phenyl-2-(phenylimino)-1,3-thiazolan-5-yliden]acetates from Acetylenic Esters and N,N′ -Diphenylthiourea

N, N′ -diphenylthiourea reacts with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates in acetone to form 1:1 adducts, which undergo a cyclization reaction to produce alkyl (Z)-2-[4-oxo-3-phenyl-2-(phenylimino)-1,3-thiazolan-5-yliden]acetates in fairly good yields. NMR spectra indicated that the reaction is completely stereoselective.     

Stereocontrolled Organocatalytic Strategy for the Synthesis of Optically Active 2,3‐Disubstituted cis‐2,3‐Dihydrobenzofurans

An intramolecular, organocatalyzed Michael addition has been developed to obtain biologically important 2,3‐disubstituted cis‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofurans. By using mandelic acid salts of primary aminocatalysts, derived from cinchona alkaloids, the intramolecular cyclization reaction has been developed to proceed in high yield, with moderate to good diastereoselectivity, and up to 99 % ee. Based on the absolute configuration of the formed 2,3‐disubstituted‐cis‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofurans and by considering the observed substrate scope restrictions, a mechanistic rationalization has been presented.     

Convenient Procedure for Synthesis of N‐Protected β‐Aminomalonates and β‐Amino Acids From α‐Amidosulfones

A synthesis of N‐protected β‐aminomalonates starting from α‐amidosulfones under very mild and simple reaction conditions is described. Treatment of the sulfones with malonate esters in the presence of 2.5 equivalents of potassium carbonate affords the desired products in good yield. A variety of N‐Z and N‐Boc protected aliphatic and aromatic α‐aminosulfones and malonate esters have been successfully used as starting materials. Hydrolysis with concomitant decarboxylation of the N‐protected β‐aminomalonates provides a convenient access to racemic β‐amino acids.     

Efficient Synthesis of Bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane Systems via Tandem 1,3-Dinucleophilic Addition of 4-Hydroxy-2-quinolinones to Quinolinium Salts

The synthesis of bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane systems is reported. The synthesis is based on the tandem 1,3-dinucleophilic addition of 4-hydroxy-2-quinolinone to quinolinium salts.     

Efficient Synthesis of the Cyanofluoromethylated Ketones: Michael Reaction of the Cyanofluoromethyl Anion Species to Unsaturated Ketones

Abstract

Synthesis of cyanofluoromethylated ketones is discussed. The Michael addition of α‐cyano‐α‐fluoromethyl anion species to α,β‐unsaturated ketones is investigated.