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Singha S, Pan S, Tallury SS, Nguyen G, Tripathy R, De P. Recent Developments on Cationic Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers. ACS POLYMERS AU 2024; 4:189-207. [PMID: 38882029 PMCID: PMC11177306 DOI: 10.1021/acspolymersau.3c00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
In recent times, the evolution of cationic polymerization has taken a multidirectional approach, with the development of cationic reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. In contrast to the conventional cationic polymerization methods, which were typically carried out under inert atmospheres and low temperatures, various novel polymerization techniques have been developed where the reactions are carried out in open air, operate at room temperature, are cost-effective, and are environmentally friendly. Besides, several external stimuli, such as heat, light, chemicals, electrical potential, etc. have been employed to activate and control the polymerization process. It also enables the combination of cationic polymerization with other polymerization methods in a single reaction vessel, eliminating the necessity for isolation and purification during intermediate steps. In addition, significant advancements have been made through various modifications in catalyst systems, resulting in polymers with an exceptionally high level of stereoregularity. This review article comprehensively analyses the recent developments in cationic polymerization, encompassing their applications and offering insights into future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Singha
- Polymer Research Centre and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials, Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Swagata Pan
- Polymer Research Centre and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials, Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Syamal S Tallury
- ExxonMobil Chemical Company, 5200 Bayway Drive, Baytown, Texas 77520-2101, United States
| | - Giang Nguyen
- ExxonMobil Chemical Company, 5200 Bayway Drive, Baytown, Texas 77520-2101, United States
| | - Ranjan Tripathy
- ExxonMobil Chemical Company, 5200 Bayway Drive, Baytown, Texas 77520-2101, United States
| | - Priyadarsi De
- Polymer Research Centre and Centre for Advanced Functional Materials, Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur 741246, Nadia, West Bengal, India
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2
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Barquero A, Zanoni A, Gabirondo E, González de San Román E, Hamzehlou S, Ximenis M, Moscatelli D, Sardon H, Leiza JR. Degradable Alternating Copolymers by Radical Copolymerization of 2-Methylen-1,3-dioxepane and Crotonate Esters. ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:368-374. [PMID: 38457274 PMCID: PMC10956490 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Producing backbone degradable copolymers via free-radical copolymerization is a promising, yet challenging method to develop more sustainable materials for many applications. In this work, we present the copolymerization of 2-methylen-1,3-dioxepane (MDO) with crotonic acid derivative esters. MDO can copolymerize by radical ring-opening polymerization incorporating degradable ester moieties in the polymer backbone, although this can often be difficult due to the very unfavorable reactivity ratios. Crotonic acid derivatives, on the other hand, can be easily produced completely from biomass but are typically very difficult to (co)polymerize due to low propagation rates and very unfavorable reactivity ratios. Herein, we present the surprisingly easy copolymerization between MDO and butyl crotonate (BCr), which shows the ability to form alternating copolymers. The alternating nature of the copolymer was characterized by MALDI-TOF and supported by the reactivity ratios calculated experimentally (rMDO = 0.105 and rBCr = 0.017). The alternating nature of the copolymers favored the degradability that could be achieved under basic conditions (in 2 h, all chains have molar masses smaller than 2 kg/mol). Last, the work was expanded to other crotonate monomers to expand the portfolio and show the potential of this copolymer family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Barquero
- POLYMAT
and Department of Applied Chemistry, University
of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Center, Tolosa hiribidea, 72, 20018 Donostia, Spain
| | - Arianna Zanoni
- Department
of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering
“Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, 2013 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Gabirondo
- POLYMAT
and Department of Polymers and Advanced Materials/ Physics, Chemistry
and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University
of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | | | - Shaghayegh Hamzehlou
- POLYMAT
and Department of Applied Chemistry, University
of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Center, Tolosa hiribidea, 72, 20018 Donostia, Spain
| | - Marta Ximenis
- POLYMAT
and Department of Polymers and Advanced Materials/ Physics, Chemistry
and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University
of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Davide Moscatelli
- Department
of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering
“Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, via Mancinelli 7, 2013 Milano, Italy
| | - Haritz Sardon
- POLYMAT
and Department of Polymers and Advanced Materials/ Physics, Chemistry
and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University
of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jose Ramon Leiza
- POLYMAT
and Department of Applied Chemistry, University
of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Center, Tolosa hiribidea, 72, 20018 Donostia, Spain
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3
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Hu Y, Lin Y, Craig SL. Mechanically Triggered Polymer Deconstruction through Mechanoacid Generation and Catalytic Enol Ether Hydrolysis. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:2876-2881. [PMID: 38265762 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Polymers that amplify a transient external stimulus into changes in their morphology, physical state, or properties continue to be desirable targets for a range of applications. Here, we report a polymer comprising an acid-sensitive, hydrolytically unstable enol ether backbone onto which is embedded gem-dichlorocyclopropane (gDCC) mechanophores through a single postsynthetic modification. The gDCC mechanophore releases HCl in response to large forces of tension along the polymer backbone, and the acid subsequently catalyzes polymer deconstruction at the enol ether sites. Pulsed sonication of a 61 kDa PDHF with 77% gDCC on the backbone in THF with 100 mM H2O for 10 min triggers the subsequent degradation of the polymer to a final molecular weight of less than 3 kDa after 24 h of standing, whereas controls lacking either the gDCC or the enol ether reach final molecular weights of 38 and 27 kDa, respectively. The process of sonication, along with the presence of water and the existence of gDCC on the backbone, significantly accelerates the rate of polymer chain deconstruction. Both acid generation and the resulting triggered polymer deconstruction are translated to bulk, cross-linked polymer networks. Networks formed via thiol-ene cross-linking and subjected to unconstrained quasi-static uniaxial compression dissolve on time scales that are at least 3 times faster than controls where the mechanophore is not covalently coupled to the network. We anticipate that this concept can be extended to other acid-sensitive polymer networks for the stress-responsive deconstruction of gels and solvent-free elastomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Yangju Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Stephen L Craig
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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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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Zhou C, Zhang Z, Li W, Chen M. Organocatalyzed Photo-Controlled Synthesis of Ultrahigh-Molecular-Weight Fluorinated Alternating Copolymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202314483. [PMID: 38014865 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314483] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Ultrahigh-molecular-weight (UHMW) polymers with tailored structures are highly desirable for the outstanding properties. In this work, we developed a novel photoorganocatalyzed controlled radical alternating copolymerizations of fluoroalkyl maleimide and diverse vinyl comonomers, enabling efficient preparation of fluorinated copolymers of predetermined UHMWs and well-defined structures at high conversions. Versatility of this method was demonstrated by expanding to controlled terpolymerization, which allows facial access toward fluorinated terpolymers of UHMWs and functional pendants. The obtained copolymers exhibited attractive physical properties and furnished thermoplastic, anticorrosive and (super)hydrophobic attributes as coatings on different substrates. Molecular simulations provided insights into the coating morphology, which unveiled a fluorous protective layer on the top surface with polar groups attached to the bottom substrate, resulting in good adhesion and hydrophobicity, simultaneously. This synthetic method and customized copolymers shed light on the design of high-performance coatings by macromolecular engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengda Zhou
- Department of Macromolecular Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zexi Zhang
- Department of Macromolecular Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Weiping Li
- Division of Natural and Applied Sciences & Environmental Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou, Kunshan, 215316, China
| | - Mao Chen
- Department of Macromolecular Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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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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Sorensen CC, Kozuszek CT, Borden MA, Leibfarth FA. Asymmetric Ion-Pairing in Stereoselective Vinyl Polymerization. ACS Catal 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.3c00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cole C. Sorensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Caleb T. Kozuszek
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Meredith A. Borden
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Frank A. Leibfarth
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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