Precise Sulfite Functionalization of Polyolefins via ADMET Polymerization

Methanol-Assisted ADMET Polymerization of Semiaromatic Amides

A method for the acyclic diene metathesis polymerization of semiaromatic amides is described. The procedure uses second-generation Grubbs' catalyst and N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone (CHP), a high boiling, polar solvent capable of solubilizing both monomer and polymer. The addition of methanol to the reaction was found to significantly increase polymer molar mass although the role of the alcohol is currently not understood. Hydrogenation with hydrogen gas and Wilkinson's catalyst resulted in near-quantitative saturation. All polymers synthesized here exhibit a hierarchical semicrystalline morphology driven by ordering of aromatic amide groups via strong nonbonded interactions. Furthermore, the melting points can be tuned over a >100 °C range by precise substitution at just one of the backbone positions on each mer (<5% of the total).

Stereocontrolled acyclic diene metathesis polymerization

The cis/trans geometry of olefins is known to dramatically influence the thermal and mechanical properties of polyalkenamers. Yet, polymerization methods that efficiently control this parameter are scarce. Here we report the development of a stereoretentive acyclic diene metathesis polymerization that uses the reactivity of dithiolate Ru carbenes combined with cis monomers. These Ru catalysts exhibit exquisite retention of the cis geometry and tolerate many polar functional groups, enabling the synthesis of all-cis polyesters, polycarbonates, polyethers and polysulfites. The stereoretentive acyclic diene metathesis polymerization is also characterized by low catalyst loadings and tolerance towards trans impurities in the monomer batch, which should facilitate large-scale implementation. Modulation of the reaction temperature and time leads to an erosion of stereoretention, permitting a stereocontrolled synthesis of polyalkenamers with predictable cis:trans ratios. The impact of the stereochemistry of the repeating alkenes on the thermal properties is clearly demonstrated through differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.

Synthesis of new polyesters by acyclic diene metathesis polymerization of bio-based α,ω-dienes prepared from eugenol and castor oil (undecenoate)

Synthesis of high molecular weight polymers by acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization of α,ω-diene prepared from bio-renewable eugenol and castor oil (undecenoate) has been demonstrated.