1
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Sui X, Dang HT, Porey A, Trevino R, Das A, Fremin SO, Hughes WB, Thompson WT, Dhakal SK, Arman HD, Larionov OV. Acridine photocatalysis enables tricomponent direct decarboxylative amine construction. Chem Sci 2024; 15:9582-9590. [PMID: 38939159 PMCID: PMC11206229 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc02356k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Amines are centrally important motifs in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry, and indispensable intermediates and linchpins in organic synthesis. Despite their cross-disciplinary prominence, synthetic access to amine continues to rely on two-electron approaches based on reductions and additions of organometallic reagents, limiting their accessible chemical space and necessitating stepwise preassembly of synthetic precursors. We report herein a homogeneous photocatalytic tricomponent decarboxylative radical-mediated amine construction that enables modular access to α-branched secondary amines directly from the broad and structurally diverse chemical space of carboxylic acids in a tricomponent reaction with aldehydes and aromatic amines. Our studies reveal the key role of acridine photocatalysis acting in concert with copper and Brønsted acid catalytic processes in facilitating the previously inaccessible homogeneous photocatalytic reaction and provide a streamlined segue to a wide range of amines and nonproteinogenic α-amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwei Sui
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Hang T Dang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Arka Porey
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Ramon Trevino
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Arko Das
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Seth O Fremin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - William B Hughes
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - William T Thompson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Shree Krishna Dhakal
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Hadi D Arman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Oleg V Larionov
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
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2
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Trachsel L, Stewart KA, Konar D, Hillman JD, Moerschel JA, Sumerlin BS. β-Triketones as Reactive Handles for Polymer Diversification via Dynamic Catalyst-Free Diketoenamine Click Chemistry. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:16257-16267. [PMID: 38832509 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c04664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The spontaneous condensation of amines with β-triketones (TK), forming β,β'-diketoenamines (DKE) and releasing water as the sole byproduct, exhibits many of the hallmarks of "click" reactions. Such characteristics render TKs as a highly advantageous platform for efficient polymer diversification, even in biological contexts. Leveraging reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and photoiniferter polymerization of novel TK-containing vinylic monomers, we synthesized polymers containing pendent TKs with excellent control of molecular weights, even in excess of 106 g mol-1. Under mild, catalyst-free conditions, poly(β-triketone methacrylate) could be modified with a diverse scope of amines containing a plethora of functional groups. The high efficiency of this functionalization approach was further emphasized when grafting-to with poly(ethylene glycol)-amine resulting in bottlebrushes with molecular weights reaching 2.0 × 107 g mol-1. Critically, while the formed DKE linkages are stable under ambient conditions, they undergo catalyst-free, dynamic transamination at elevated temperatures, paving the way for associative covalent adaptable networks. Overall, we introduce pendent triketone moieties into methacrylate and acrylamide polymers, establishing a novel postpolymerization modification technique that facilitates catalyst-free ligation of amines under highly permissible conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucca Trachsel
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200 Gainesville , Florida 32611-7200, United States
| | - Kevin A Stewart
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200 Gainesville , Florida 32611-7200, United States
| | - Debabrata Konar
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200 Gainesville , Florida 32611-7200, United States
| | - Jason D Hillman
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200 Gainesville , Florida 32611-7200, United States
| | - Jack A Moerschel
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200 Gainesville , Florida 32611-7200, United States
| | - Brent S Sumerlin
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200 Gainesville , Florida 32611-7200, United States
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3
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Li Z, Zhang X, Zhao Y, Tang S. Mechanochemical Backbone Editing for Controlled Degradation of Vinyl Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202408225. [PMID: 38801168 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202408225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The chemically inert nature of fully saturated hydrocarbon backbones endows vinyl polymers with desirable durability, but it also leads to their significant environmental persistence. Enhancing the sustainability of these materials requires a pivotal yet challenging shift: transforming the inert backbone into one that is degradable. Here, we present a versatile platform for mechanochemically editing the fully saturated backbone of vinyl polymers towards degradable polymer chains by integrating cyclobutene-fused succinimide (CBS) units along backbone through photo-iniferter reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) copolymerization. Significantly, the evenly insertion of CBS units does not compromise thermal or chemical stability but rather offers a means to adjust the properties of polymethylacrylate (PMA). Meanwhile, reactive acyclic imide units can be selectively introduced to the backbone through mechanochemical activation (pulse ultrasonication or ball-milling grinding) when required. Subsequent hydrolysis of the acyclic imide groups enables efficient degradation, yielding telechelic oligomers. This approach holds promise for inspiring the design and modification of more environmentally friendly vinyl polymers through backbone editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yajun Zhao
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Shan Tang
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
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4
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Hughes RW, Marquez JD, Young JB, Garrison JB, Zastrow IS, Evans AM, Sumerlin BS. Selective Electrochemical Modification and Degradation of Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202403026. [PMID: 38416815 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202403026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
We demonstrate that electrochemical-induced decarboxylation enables reliable post-polymerization modification and degradation of polymers. Polymers containing N-(acryloxy)phthalimides were subjected to electrochemical decarboxylation under mild conditions, which led to the formation of transient alkyl radicals. By installing these redox-active units, we systematically modified the pendent groups and chain ends of polyacrylates. This approach enabled the production of poly(ethylene-co-methyl acrylate) and poly(propylene-co-methyl acrylate) copolymers, which are difficult to synthesize by direct polymerization. Spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques reveal these transformations are near-quantitative on several polymer systems. Electrochemical decarboxylation also enables the degradation of all-methacrylate poly(N-(methacryloxy)phthalimide-co-methyl methacrylate) copolymers with a degradation efficiency of >95 %. Chain cleavage is achieved through the decarboxylation of the N-hydroxyphthalimide ester and subsequent β-scission of the backbone radical. Electrochemistry is thus shown to be a powerful tool in selective polymer transformations and controlled macromolecular degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys W Hughes
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Joshua D Marquez
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - James B Young
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - John B Garrison
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Isabella S Zastrow
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Austin M Evans
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
| | - Brent S Sumerlin
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States
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5
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Parkatzidis K, Wang HS, Anastasaki A. Photocatalytic Upcycling and Depolymerization of Vinyl Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402436. [PMID: 38466624 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Photocatalytic upcycling and depolymerization of vinyl polymers have emerged as promising strategies to combat plastic pollution and promote a circular economy. This mini review critically summarizes current developments in the upcycling and degradation of vinyl polymers including polystyrene and poly(meth)acrylates. Of these material classes, polymethacrylates possess the unique possibility to undergo a photocatalytic depolymerization back to monomer under thermodynamically favourable conditions, thus presenting significant advantages over traditional thermal strategies. Our perspective on current formidable challenges and potential future directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas Parkatzidis
- Department of Materials Science, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hyun Suk Wang
- Department of Materials Science, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Athina Anastasaki
- Department of Materials Science, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
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6
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Porey A, Fremin SO, Nand S, Trevino R, Hughes WB, Dhakal SK, Nguyen VD, Greco SG, Arman HD, Larionov OV. Multimodal Acridine Photocatalysis Enables Direct Access to Thiols from Carboxylic Acids and Elemental Sulfur. ACS Catal 2024; 14:6973-6980. [PMID: 38737399 PMCID: PMC11081195 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.4c01289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Development of photocatalytic systems that facilitate mechanistically divergent steps in complex catalytic manifolds by distinct activation modes can enable previously inaccessible synthetic transformations. However, multimodal photocatalytic systems remain understudied, impeding their implementation in catalytic methodology. We report herein a photocatalytic access to thiols that directly merges the structural diversity of carboxylic acids with the ready availability of elemental sulfur without substrate preactivation. The photocatalytic transformation provides a direct radical-mediated segue to one of the most biologically important and synthetically versatile organosulfur functionalities, whose synthetic accessibility remains largely dominated by two-electron-mediated processes based on toxic and uneconomical reagents and precursors. The two-phase radical process is facilitated by a multimodal catalytic reactivity of acridine photocatalysis that enables both the singlet excited state PCET-mediated decarboxylative carbon-sulfur bond formation and the previously unknown radical reductive disulfur bond cleavage by a photoinduced HAT process in the silane-triplet acridine system. The study points to a significant potential of multimodal photocatalytic systems in providing unexplored directions to previously inaccessible transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arka Porey
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Seth O Fremin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Sachchida Nand
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Ramon Trevino
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - William B Hughes
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Shree Krishna Dhakal
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Viet D Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Samuel G Greco
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Hadi D Arman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Oleg V Larionov
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
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7
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Rubanov ZM, Levin VV, Dilman AD. Dual Acridine/Decatungstate Photocatalysis for the Decarboxylative Radical Addition of Carboxylic Acids to Azomethines. Org Lett 2024; 26:3174-3178. [PMID: 38587457 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
A concept for the dual use of acridine and tetrabutylammonium decatungstate photocatalysts in the reactions of carboxylic acids is proposed. Imines generated in situ from aldehydes and p-methoxyaniline, as well as other azomethines, were used as radical acceptors. The role of the decatungstate is believed to facilitate the turnover of the acridine photocatalyst by means of hydrogen atom transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakhar M Rubanov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leninsky prosp. 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vitalij V Levin
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leninsky prosp. 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander D Dilman
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leninsky prosp. 47, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
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8
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Ko K, Lundberg DJ, Johnson AM, Johnson JA. Mechanism-Guided Discovery of Cleavable Comonomers for Backbone Deconstructable Poly(methyl methacrylate). J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:9142-9154. [PMID: 38526229 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The development of cleavable comonomers (CCs) with suitable copolymerization reactivity paves the way for the introduction of backbone deconstructability into polymers. Recent advancements in thionolactone-based CCs, exemplified by dibenzo[c,e]-oxepine-5(7H)-thione (DOT), have opened promising avenues for the selective deconstruction of multiple classes of vinyl polymers, including polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, and polystyrenics. To date, however, no thionolactone CC has been shown to copolymerize with methacrylates to an appreciable extent to enable polymer deconstruction. Here, we overcome this challenge through the design of a new class of benzyl-functionalized thionolactones (bDOTs). Guided by detailed mechanistic analyses, we find that the introduction of radical-stabilizing substituents to bDOTs enables markedly increased and tunable copolymerization reactivity with methyl methacrylate (MMA). Through iterative optimizations of the molecular structure, a specific bDOT, F-p-CF3PhDOT, is discovered to copolymerize efficiently with MMA. High molar mass deconstructable PMMA-based copolymers (dPMMA, Mn > 120 kDa) with low percentages of F-p-CF3PhDOT (1.8 and 3.8 mol%) are prepared using industrially relevant bulk free radical copolymerization conditions. The thermomechanical properties of dPMMA are similar to PMMA; however, the former is shown to degrade into low molar mass fragments (<6.5 kDa) under mild aminolysis conditions. This work presents the first example of a radical ring-opening CC capable of nearly random copolymerization with MMA without the possibility of cross-linking and provides a workflow for the mechanism-guided design of deconstructable copolymers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwangwook Ko
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - David J Lundberg
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Alayna M Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jeremiah A Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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9
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Zhuang K, Haug GC, Wang Y, Yin S, Sun H, Huang S, Trevino R, Shen K, Sun Y, Huang C, Qin B, Liu Y, Cheng M, Larionov OV, Jin S. Cobalt-Catalyzed Carbon-Heteroatom Transfer Enables Regioselective Tricomponent 1,4-Carboamination. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:8508-8519. [PMID: 38382542 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Tricomponent cobalt(salen)-catalyzed carbofunctionalization of unsaturated substrates by radical-polar crossover has the potential to streamline access to broad classes of heteroatom-functionalized synthetic targets, yet the reaction platform has remained elusive, despite the well-developed analogous hydrofunctionalizations mediated by high-valent alkylcobalt intermediates. We report herein the development of a cobalt(salen) catalytic system that enables carbofunctionalization. The reaction entails a tricomponent decarboxylative 1,4-carboamination of dienes and provides a direct route to aromatic allylic amines by obviating preformed allylation reagents and protection of oxidation-sensitive aromatic amines. The catalytic system merges acridine photocatalysis with cobalt(salen)-catalyzed regioselective 1,4-carbofunctionalization that facilitates the crossover of the radical and polar phases of the tricomponent coupling process, revealing critical roles of the reactants, as well as ligand effects and the nature of the formal high-valent alkylcobalt species on the chemo- and regioselectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitong Zhuang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Graham C Haug
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Shuyu Yin
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Huiying Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Siwen Huang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Ramon Trevino
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Kunzhi Shen
- Shenyang Photosensitive Chemical Research Institute Company Limited, 8-12 No. 6 Road, Shenyang 110141, P. R. China
| | - Yao Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Chao Huang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Bin Qin
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Yongxiang Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
| | - Oleg V Larionov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Shengfei Jin
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China
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10
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Mountaki SA, Whitfield R, Parkatzidis K, Antonopoulou MN, Truong NP, Anastasaki A. Chemical recycling of bromine-terminated polymers synthesized by ATRP. RSC APPLIED POLYMERS 2024; 2:275-283. [PMID: 38525379 PMCID: PMC10955525 DOI: 10.1039/d3lp00279a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Chemical recycling of polymers is one of the biggest challenges in materials science. Recently, remarkable achievements have been made by utilizing polymers prepared by controlled radical polymerization to trigger low-temperature depolymerization. However, in the case of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), depolymerization has nearly exclusively focused on chlorine-terminated polymers, even though the overwhelming majority of polymeric materials synthesized with this method possess a bromine end-group. Herein, we report an efficient depolymerization strategy for bromine-terminated polymethacrylates which employs an inexpensive and environmentally friendly iron catalyst (FeBr2/L). The effect of various solvents and the concentration of metal salt and ligand on the depolymerization are judiciously explored and optimized, allowing for a depolymerization efficiency of up to 86% to be achieved in just 3 minutes. Notably, the versatility of this depolymerization is exemplified by its compatibility with chlorinated and non-chlorinated solvents, and both Fe(ii) and Fe(iii) salts. This work significantly expands the scope of ATRP materials compatible with depolymerization and creates many future opportunities in applications where the depolymerization of bromine-terminated polymers is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Afroditi Mountaki
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Richard Whitfield
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Kostas Parkatzidis
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Maria-Nefeli Antonopoulou
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Nghia P Truong
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Athina Anastasaki
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
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11
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Wimberger L, Ng G, Boyer C. Light-driven polymer recycling to monomers and small molecules. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2510. [PMID: 38509090 PMCID: PMC10954676 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Only a small proportion of global plastic waste is recycled, of which most is mechanically recycled into lower quality materials. The alternative, chemical recycling, enables renewed production of pristine materials, but generally comes at a high energy cost, particularly for processes like pyrolysis. This review focuses on light-driven approaches for chemically recycling and upcycling plastic waste, with emphasis on reduced energy consumption and selective transformations not achievable with heat-driven methods. We focus on challenging to recycle backbone structures composed of mainly C‒C bonds, which lack functional groups i.e., esters or amides, that facilitate chemical recycling e.g., by solvolysis. We discuss the use of light, either in conjunction with heat to drive depolymerization to monomers or via photocatalysis to transform polymers into valuable small molecules. The structural prerequisites for these approaches are outlined, highlighting their advantages as well as limitations. We conclude with an outlook, addressing key challenges, opportunities, and provide guidelines for future photocatalyst (PC) development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Wimberger
- Cluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, 2052, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gervase Ng
- Cluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, 2052, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cyrille Boyer
- Cluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, 2052, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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12
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Hughes RW, Lott ME, Zastrow IS, Young JB, Maity T, Sumerlin BS. Bulk Depolymerization of Methacrylate Polymers via Pendent Group Activation. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6217-6224. [PMID: 38382047 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we present an efficient approach for the depolymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) copolymers synthesized via conventional radical polymerization. By incorporating low mol % phthalimide ester-containing monomers during the polymerization process, colorless and transparent polymers closely resembling unfunctionalized PMMA are obtained, which can achieve >95% reversion to methyl methacrylate (MMA). Notably, our catalyst-free bulk depolymerization method exhibits exceptional efficiency, even for high-molecular-weight polymers, including ultrahigh-molecular-weight (106-107 g/mol) PMMA, where near-quantitative depolymerization is achieved. Moreover, this approach yields polymer byproducts of significantly lower molecular weight, distinguishing it from bulk depolymerization methods initiated from chain ends. Furthermore, we extend our investigation to polymethacrylate networks, demonstrating high extents of depolymerization. This innovative depolymerization strategy offers promising opportunities for the development of sustainable polymethacrylate materials, holding great potential for various applications in polymer science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys W Hughes
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Megan E Lott
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Isabella S Zastrow
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - James B Young
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Tanmoy Maity
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Brent S Sumerlin
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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13
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Ayurini M, Haridas D, Mendoza DJ, Garnier G, Hooper JF. RAFT Polymerisation by the Radical Decarboxylation of Carboxylic Acids. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317071. [PMID: 37990056 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The controlled grafting of polymers from small- and macro-molecular substrates is an essential process for many advanced polymer applications. This usually requires the pre-functionalisation of substrates with an appropriate functional group, such as a RAFT agent or ATRP initiator, which requires additional synthetic steps. In this paper, we describe the direct grafting of RAFT polymers from carboxylate containing small molecules and polymers via photochemical radical decarboxylation. This method utilises the innate functional groups present in the substrates, and achieves efficient polymer initiation in a single step with excellent control of molecular weight and dispersity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meri Ayurini
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Darsan Haridas
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - David Joram Mendoza
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Gil Garnier
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Joel F Hooper
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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14
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Lohmann V, Jones GR, Truong NP, Anastasaki A. The thermodynamics and kinetics of depolymerization: what makes vinyl monomer regeneration feasible? Chem Sci 2024; 15:832-853. [PMID: 38239674 PMCID: PMC10793647 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05143a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Depolymerization is potentially a highly advantageous method of recycling plastic waste which could move the world closer towards a truly circular polymer economy. However, depolymerization remains challenging for many polymers with all-carbon backbones. Fundamental understanding and consideration of both the kinetics and thermodynamics are essential in order to develop effective new depolymerization systems that could overcome this problem, as the feasibility of monomer generation can be drastically altered by tuning the reaction conditions. This perspective explores the underlying thermodynamics and kinetics governing radical depolymerization of addition polymers by revisiting pioneering work started in the mid-20th century and demonstrates its connection to exciting recent advances which report depolymerization reaching near-quantitative monomer regeneration at much lower temperatures than seen previously. Recent catalytic approaches to monomer regeneration are also explored, highlighting that this nascent chemistry could potentially revolutionize depolymerization-based polymer recycling in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Lohmann
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Glen R Jones
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Nghia P Truong
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 8093 Zürich Switzerland
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University 399 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3152 Australia
| | - Athina Anastasaki
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 8093 Zürich Switzerland
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15
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Trachsel L, Konar D, Hillman JD, Davidson CLG, Sumerlin BS. Diversification of Acrylamide Polymers via Direct Transamidation of Unactivated Tertiary Amides. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:1627-1634. [PMID: 38189246 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Postpolymerization modification offers a versatile strategy for synthesizing complex macromolecules, yet modifying acrylamide polymers like poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) is notoriously challenging due to the inherent stability and low reactivity of amide bonds. In this study, we unveil a novel approach for the direct transamidation of PDMA, leveraging recent advances in the transamidation of unactivated tertiary amide substrates. By exploiting photoiniferter polymerization, we extended this direct transamidation approach to ultrahigh-molecular-weight (UHMW) PDMA, showcasing the unprecedented postpolymerization modification of synthetic polymers exceeding 106 g/mol. We also designed acrylamide copolymers comprising both the moderately reactive N-methyl-N-phenyl tertiary amides, along with the less reactive, fully alkyl-substituted N,N-dimethyl amides inherent to PDMA. This disparate reactivity enabled a sequential, chemoselective transamidation by initially targeting the more reactive pendant aryl amides with less nucleophilic aromatic amines, and second, transamidating the untouched N,N-dimethyl amide moieties with more nucleophilic aliphatic amines, yielding a uniquely diversified acrylamide copolymer. This work not only broadens the scope of postpolymerization modification strategies by pioneering direct transamidation of unactivated amides but also provides a robust platform for the design of intricate macromolecules, particularly in the realm of UHMW polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucca Trachsel
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200, United States
| | - Debabrata Konar
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200, United States
| | - Jason D Hillman
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200, United States
| | - Cullen L G Davidson
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200, United States
| | - Brent S Sumerlin
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, PO Box 117200, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200, United States
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16
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Hsu JH, Ball TE, Oh S, Stache EE, Fors BP. Selective Electrocatalytic Degradation of Ether-Containing Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316578. [PMID: 38032347 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Leveraging electrochemistry to degrade robust polymeric materials has the potential to impact society's growing issue of plastic waste. Herein, we develop an electrocatalytic oxidative degradation of polyethers and poly(vinyl ethers) via electrochemically mediated hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) followed by oxidative polymer degradation promoted by molecular oxygen. We investigated the selectivity and efficiency of this method, finding our conditions to be highly selective for polymers with hydridic, electron-rich C-H bonds. We leveraged this reactivity to degrade polyethers and poly(vinyl ethers) in the presence of polymethacrylates and polyacrylates with complete selectivity. Furthermore, this method made polyacrylates degradable by incorporation of ether units into the polymer backbone. We quantified degradation products, identifying up to 36 mol % of defined oxidation products, including acetic acid, formic acid, and acetaldehyde, and we extended this method to degrade a polyether-based polyurethane in a green solvent. This work demonstrates a facile, electrochemically-driven route to degrade polymers containing ether functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H Hsu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Tyler E Ball
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Sewon Oh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Erin E Stache
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Brett P Fors
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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17
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Kuroda K, Ouchi M. Umpolung Isomerization in Radical Copolymerization of Benzyl Vinyl Ether with Pentafluorophenylacrylate Leading to Degradable AAB Periodic Copolymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316875. [PMID: 37971837 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This study revealed that benzyl vinyl ether (BnVE) shows a peculiar isomerization propagation in its radical copolymerization with an electron-deficient acrylate carrying a pentafluorophenyl group (PFA). The co-monomer pair inherently exhibits the cross-over propagation feature due to the large difference in the electron density. However, the radical species of PFA was found to undergo a backward isomerization to the penultimate BnVE pendant giving a benzyl radical species prior to propagation with BnVE. The isomerization brings a drastic change in the character of the growing radical species from electrophilic to nucleophilic, and thus the isomerized benzyl radial species propagates with PFA. Consequently, the two monomers were consumed in the order AAB (A: PFA; B: BnVE) and the unique periodic consumption was confirmed by the pseudo-reactivity ratios calculated by the penultimate model: r11 =0.174 and r21 =6600 for PFA (M1 ) with BnVE (M2 ). The pentafluorophenyl ester groups of the resulting copolymers are transformed into ester and amide groups by post-polymerization alcoholysis and aminolysis modifications. The unique isomerization in the AAB sequence allowed the periodic introduction of a benzyl ether structure in the backbone leading to efficient degradation under acid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Kuroda
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
| | - Makoto Ouchi
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan
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18
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Galan NJ, Cobbold BE, Cromer CE, Brantley JN. Macromolecular Photoediting Using Single-Electron Logic. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:1623-1628. [PMID: 37962989 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Accessing the chemistry of reactive intermediates under mild conditions has significantly expanded the available chemical space for molecular transformations. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the context of photoredox catalysis. Despite abundant literature precedents for using this powerful methodology to build complex targets, there are comparatively few reports that leverage photoredox catalysis for macromolecular editing. Here, we report a mild photoredox approach that enables both the functionalization and degradation of polyalkenamers to valuable feedstocks. Irradiation with visible light (including natural sunlight) in the presence of a pyrillium photoredox catalyst promoted facile chain scission in a variety of substrates. This metal-free approach transformed high molar mass materials (>300 kDa) to low molar mass species (<15 kDa) within 10 min. Moreover, we could completely degrade macromolecules into a range of useful targets (C16-C29 species) within 96 h. Mechanistic and kinetic experiments were carried out to understand this reactivity, which could be coupled with hydrofunctionalizations to create tailored products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Galan
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Boris E Cobbold
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Chase E Cromer
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Johnathan N Brantley
- The Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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19
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Dang HT, Porey A, Nand S, Trevino R, Manning-Lorino P, Hughes WB, Fremin SO, Thompson WT, Dhakal SK, Arman HD, Larionov OV. Kinetically-driven reactivity of sulfinylamines enables direct conversion of carboxylic acids to sulfinamides. Chem Sci 2023; 14:13384-13391. [PMID: 38033883 PMCID: PMC10685282 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04727j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sulfinamides are some of the most centrally important four-valent sulfur compounds that serve as critical entry points to an array of emergent medicinal functional groups, molecular tools for bioconjugation, and synthetic intermediates including sulfoximines, sulfonimidamides, and sulfonimidoyl halides, as well as a wide range of other S(iv) and S(vi) functionalities. Yet, the accessible chemical space of sulfinamides remains limited, and the approaches to sulfinamides are largely confined to two-electron nucleophilic substitution reactions. We report herein a direct radical-mediated decarboxylative sulfinamidation that for the first time enables access to sulfinamides from the broad and structurally diverse chemical space of carboxylic acids. Our studies show that the formation of sulfinamides prevails despite the inherent thermodynamic preference for the radical addition to the nitrogen atom, while a machine learning-derived model facilitates prediction of the reaction efficiency based on computationally generated descriptors of the underlying radical reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang T Dang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Arka Porey
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Sachchida Nand
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Ramon Trevino
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Patrick Manning-Lorino
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - William B Hughes
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Seth O Fremin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - William T Thompson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Shree Krishna Dhakal
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Hadi D Arman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
| | - Oleg V Larionov
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio One UTSA Circle San Antonio TX 78249 USA
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20
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Schué E, Rickertsen DRL, Korpusik AB, Adili A, Seidel D, Sumerlin BS. Alternating styrene-propylene and styrene-ethylene copolymers prepared by photocatalytic decarboxylation. Chem Sci 2023; 14:11228-11236. [PMID: 37860640 PMCID: PMC10583696 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc03827k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthesis of olefin-styrene copolymers with defined architecture is challenging due to the limitations associated with the inherent reactivity ratios for these monomers in radical or metal-catalyzed polymerizations. Herein, we developed a straightforward approach to alternating styrene-propylene and styrene-ethylene copolymers by combining radical polymerizations and powerful post-polymerization modification reactions. We employed reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization between styrene derivatives and saccharin (meth)acrylamide to generate alternating copolymers. Once polymerized, the amide bond of the saccharin monomers was highly reactive toward hydrolysis, an observation exploited to obtain alternating styrene-acrylic acid/methacrylic acid copolymers. Subsequent mild decarboxylation of the (meth)acrylic acid groups in the presence of a photocatalyst and a hydrogen source under visible light resulted in the styrene-alt-ethylene/propylene copolymers. Alternating copolymers comprised of either propylene or ethylene units alternating with functional styrene derivatives were also prepared, illustrating the compatibility of this approach for functional polymer synthesis. Finally, the thermal properties of the alternating copolymers were compared to those from statistical copolymer analogs to elucidate the effect of microarchitecture and styrene substituents on the glass transition temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Schué
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Dillon R L Rickertsen
- Center for Heterocyclic Compounds, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Angie B Korpusik
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Alafate Adili
- Center for Heterocyclic Compounds, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Daniel Seidel
- Center for Heterocyclic Compounds, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
| | - Brent S Sumerlin
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida Gainesville FL 32611 USA
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21
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Whitfield R, Jones GR, Truong NP, Manring LE, Anastasaki A. Solvent-Free Chemical Recycling of Polymethacrylates made by ATRP and RAFT polymerization: High-Yielding Depolymerization at Low Temperatures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202309116. [PMID: 37523176 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Although controlled radical polymerization is an excellent tool to make precision polymeric materials, reversal of the process to retrieve the starting monomer is far less explored despite the significance of chemical recycling. Here, we investigate the bulk depolymerization of RAFT and ATRP-synthesized polymers under identical conditions. RAFT-synthesized polymers undergo a relatively low-temperature solvent-free depolymerization back to monomer thanks to the partial in situ transformation of the RAFT end-group to macromonomer. Instead, ATRP-synthesized polymers can only depolymerize at significantly higher temperatures (>350 °C) through random backbone scission. To aid a more complete depolymerization at even lower temperatures, we performed a facile and quantitative end-group modification strategy in which both ATRP and RAFT end-groups were successfully converted to macromonomers. The macromonomers triggered a lower temperature bulk depolymerization with an onset at 150 °C yielding up to 90 % of monomer regeneration. The versatility of the methodology was demonstrated by a scalable depolymerization (≈10 g of starting polymer) retrieving 84 % of the starting monomer intact which could be subsequently used for further polymerization. This work presents a new low-energy approach for depolymerizing controlled radical polymers and creates many future opportunities as high-yielding, solvent-free and scalable depolymerization methods are sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Whitfield
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, D-MATL, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Glen R Jones
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, D-MATL, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nghia P Truong
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, D-MATL, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Athina Anastasaki
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, D-MATL, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
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22
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Korpusik AB, Adili A, Bhatt K, Anatot JE, Seidel D, Sumerlin BS. Degradation of Polyacrylates by One-Pot Sequential Dehydrodecarboxylation and Ozonolysis. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:10480-10485. [PMID: 37155970 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We establish a synthetically convenient method to degrade polyacrylate homopolymers. Carboxylic acids are installed along the polymer backbone by partial hydrolysis of the ester side chains, and then, in a one-pot sequential procedure, the carboxylic acids are converted into alkenes and oxidatively cleaved. This process enables the robustness and properties of polyacrylates to be maintained during their usable lifetime. The ability to tune the degree of degradation was demonstrated by varying the carboxylic acid content of the polymers. This method is compatible with a wide range of polymers prepared from vinyl monomers through copolymerization of acrylic acid with different monomers including acrylates, acrylamides, and styrenics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie B Korpusik
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Alafate Adili
- Center for Heterocyclic Compounds, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Kamal Bhatt
- Center for Heterocyclic Compounds, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Jacqueline E Anatot
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Daniel Seidel
- Center for Heterocyclic Compounds, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Brent S Sumerlin
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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23
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Jones GR, Wang HS, Parkatzidis K, Whitfield R, Truong NP, Anastasaki A. Reversed Controlled Polymerization (RCP): Depolymerization from Well-Defined Polymers to Monomers. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:9898-9915. [PMID: 37127289 PMCID: PMC10176471 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c00589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Controlled polymerization methods are well-established synthetic protocols for the design and preparation of polymeric materials with a high degree of precision over molar mass and architecture. Exciting recent work has shown that the high end-group fidelity and/or functionality inherent in these techniques can enable new routes to depolymerization under relatively mild conditions. Converting polymers back to pure monomers by depolymerization is a potential solution to the environmental and ecological concerns associated with the ultimate fate of polymers. This perspective focuses on the emerging field of depolymerization from polymers synthesized by controlled polymerizations including radical, ionic, and metathesis polymerizations. We provide a critical review of current literature categorized according to polymerization technique and explore numerous concepts and ideas which could be implemented to further enhance depolymerization including lower temperature systems, catalytic depolymerization, increasing polymer scope, and controlled depolymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen R Jones
- Laboratory for Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hyun Suk Wang
- Laboratory for Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kostas Parkatzidis
- Laboratory for Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Richard Whitfield
- Laboratory for Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nghia P Truong
- Laboratory for Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Athina Anastasaki
- Laboratory for Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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24
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Dang HT, Nguyen VD, Haug GC, Arman HD, Larionov OV. Decarboxylative Triazolation Enables Direct Construction of Triazoles from Carboxylic Acids. JACS AU 2023; 3:813-822. [PMID: 37006773 PMCID: PMC10052276 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Triazoles have major roles in chemistry, medicine, and materials science, as centrally important heterocyclic motifs and bioisosteric replacements for amides, carboxylic acids, and other carbonyl groups, as well as some of the most widely used linkers in click chemistry. Yet, the chemical space and molecular diversity of triazoles remains limited by the accessibility of synthetically challenging organoazides, thereby requiring preinstallation of the azide precursors and restricting triazole applications. We report herein a photocatalytic, tricomponent decarboxylative triazolation reaction that for the first time enables direct conversion of carboxylic acids to triazoles in a single-step, triple catalytic coupling with alkynes and a simple azide reagent. Data-guided inquiry of the accessible chemical space of decarboxylative triazolation indicates that the transformation can improve access to the structural diversity and molecular complexity of triazoles. Experimental studies demonstrate a broad scope of the synthetic method that includes a variety of carboxylic acid, polymer, and peptide substrates. When performed in the absence of alkynes, the reaction can also be used to access organoazides, thereby obviating preactivation and specialized azide reagents and providing a two-pronged approach to C-N bond-forming decarboxylative functional group interconversions.
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25
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Ke Z, Fan X, Di Y, Chen F, Han X, Yang K, Li B. A Comprehensive Investigation into the Crystallology, Molecule, and Quantum Chemistry Properties of Two New Hydrous Long-Chain Dibasic Ammonium Salts CnH2n+8N2O6 (n = 35 and 37). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065467. [PMID: 36982543 PMCID: PMC10052139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Through the salification reaction of carboxylation, successful attachment of the long-chain alkanoic acid to the two ends of 1,3-propanediamine was realized, which enabled the doubling of the long-chain alkanoic acid carbon chain. Hydrous 1,3-propanediamine dihexadecanoate (abbreviated as 3C16) and 1,3-propanediamine diheptadecanoate (abbreviated as 3C17) were synthesized afterward, and their crystal structures were characterized by the X-ray single crystal diffraction technique. By analyzing their molecular and crystal structure, their composition, spatial structure, and coordination mode were determined. Two water molecules played important roles in stabilizing the framework of both compounds. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed the intermolecular interactions between the two molecules. The 3D energy framework map presented the intermolecular interactions more intuitively and digitally, in which dispersion energy plays a dominant role. DFT calculations were performed to analyze the frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO–LUMO). The energy difference between the HOMO–LUMO is 0.2858 eV and 0.2855 eV for 3C16 and 3C17, respectively. DOS diagrams further confirmed the distribution of the frontier molecular orbitals of 3C16 and 3C17. The charge distributions in the compounds were visualized using a molecular electrostatic potential (ESP) surface. ESP maps indicated that the electrophilic sites are localized around the oxygen atom. The crystallographic data and parameters of quantum chemical calculation in this paper will provide data and theoretical support for the development and application of such materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengbo Ke
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Xi’an Technological University, Xi’an 710021, China
- College of Chemical Engineering and Modern Materials, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Tailings Resources, Shangluo University, Shangluo 726000, China
| | - Xinhui Fan
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Xi’an Technological University, Xi’an 710021, China
- Correspondence: (X.F.); (Y.D.)
| | - Youying Di
- College of Chemical Engineering and Modern Materials, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Tailings Resources, Shangluo University, Shangluo 726000, China
- Correspondence: (X.F.); (Y.D.)
| | - Fengying Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering and Modern Materials, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Tailings Resources, Shangluo University, Shangluo 726000, China
| | - Xi Han
- College of Chemical Engineering and Modern Materials, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Tailings Resources, Shangluo University, Shangluo 726000, China
| | - Ke Yang
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Xi’an Technological University, Xi’an 710021, China
| | - Bing Li
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Xi’an Technological University, Xi’an 710021, China
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26
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Arslan Z, Kiliclar HC, Yagci Y. Dimanganese decacarbonyl catalyzed visible light induced ambient temperature depolymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate). Des Monomers Polym 2022; 25:271-276. [PMID: 36275914 PMCID: PMC9586668 DOI: 10.1080/15685551.2022.2135730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed an enormous development in photoinduced systems, opening up possibilities for advancements in industry and academia in terms of green chemistry providing environmentally friendly conditions and spatiotemporal control over the reaction medium. A vast number of research have been conducted on photoinduced systems focusing on the development of new polymerization methods, although scarcely investigated, depolymerization of the synthesized polymers by photochemical means is also possible. Herein, we provide a comprehensive study of visible light induced dimanganese decacarbonyl (Mn2(CO)10) assisted depolymerization system for poly(methyl methacrylate) with chlorine chain end prepared by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization. Contrary to the conventional procedures demanding high temperatures, the approach offers ambient temperature for the photodepolymerization process. This novel light-controlled concept is easily adaptable to macroscales and expected to promote further research in the fields matching with the environmental concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Arslan
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Turkey
| | | | - Yusuf Yagci
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Turkey
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27
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Young JB, Bowman JI, Eades CB, Wong AJ, Sumerlin BS. Photoassisted Radical Depolymerization. ACS Macro Lett 2022; 11:1390-1395. [PMID: 36469937 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Controlled radical polymerization techniques enable the synthesis of polymers with predetermined molecular weights, narrow molecular weight distributions, and controlled architectures. Moreover, these polymerization approaches have been routinely shown to result in retained end-group functionality that can be reactivated to continue polymerization. However, reactivation of these end groups under conditions that instead promote depropagation is a viable route to initiate depolymerization and potentially enable closed-loop recycling from polymer to monomer. In this report, we investigate light as a trigger for thermal depolymerization of polymers prepared by reversible-addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. We study the role of irradiation wavelength by targeting the n → π* and π → π* electronic transitions of the thiocarbonylthio end-groups of RAFT-generated polymers to enhance depolymerization via terminal bond homolysis. Specifically, we explore depolymerization of polymers with trithiocarbonate, dithiocarbamate, and p-substituted dithiobenzoate end groups with the purpose of increasing depolymerization efficiency with light. As the wavelength decreases from the visible range to the UV range, the rate of depolymerization is dramatically increased. This method of photoassisted depolymerization allows up to 87% depolymerization efficiency within 1 h, results that may further the advancement of recyclable materials and life-cycle circularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Young
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Jared I Bowman
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Cabell B Eades
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Alexander J Wong
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Brent S Sumerlin
- George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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28
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Suzuki H, Nishikawa T, Makino H, Ouchi M. Anthranilamide-protected vinylboronic acid: rational monomer design for improved polymerization/transformation ability providing access to conventionally inaccessible copolymers. Chem Sci 2022; 13:12703-12712. [DOI: 10.1039/d2sc05094c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We designed a vinyl-boronic-acid protected by anthranilamide as a “transformable” monomer in radical polymerization to synthesize conventionally inaccessible copolymers, such as poly(vinyl alcohol-co-styrene) and poly(ethylene-co-acrylate).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Suzuki
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Nishikawa
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Makino
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Makoto Ouchi
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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