Formation and Possible Reactions of Organometallic Intermediates with Active Copper(I) Catalysts in ATRP

Surface Design of Liquid Separation Membrane through Graft Polymerization: A State of the Art Review

Surface modification of membranes is an effective approach for imparting unique characteristics and additional functionalities to the membranes. Chemical grafting is a commonly used membrane modification technique due to its versatility in tailoring and optimizing the membrane surface with desired functionalities. Various types of polymers can be precisely grafted onto the membrane surface and the operating conditions of grafting can be tailored to further fine-tune the membrane surface properties. This review focuses on the recent strategies in improving the surface design of liquid separation membranes through grafting-from technique, also known as graft polymerization, to improve membrane performance in wastewater treatment and desalination applications. An overview on membrane technology processes such as pressure-driven and osmotically driven membrane processes are first briefly presented. Grafting-from surface chemical modification approaches including chemical initiated, plasma initiated and UV initiated approaches are discussed in terms of their features, advantages and limitations. The innovations in membrane surface modification techniques based on grafting-from techniques are comprehensively reviewed followed by some highlights on the current challenges in this field. It is concluded that grafting-from is a versatile and effective technique to introduce various functional groups to enhance the surface properties and separation performances of liquid separation membranes.

Application of Coordination Compounds with Transition Metal Ions in the Chemical Industry-A Review

This publication presents the new trends and opportunities for further development of coordination compounds used in the chemical industry. The review describes the influence of various physicochemical factors regarding the coordination relationship (for example, steric hindrance, electron density, complex geometry, ligand), which condition technological processes. Coordination compounds are catalysts in technological processes used during organic synthesis, for example: Oxidation reactions, hydroformylation process, hydrogenation reaction, hydrocyanation process. In this article, we pointed out the possibilities of using complex compounds in catalysis, and we noticed what further research should be undertaken for this purpose.

Under pressure: electrochemically-mediated atom transfer radical polymerization of vinyl chloride

Electrochemically mediated ATRP (eATRP) of vinyl chloride (VC), a less activated monomer, was successfully achieved. It is the first report on eATRP of a gaseous monomer under pressure.

ATRP of Methyl Acrylate by Continuous Feeding of Activators Giving Polymers with Predictable End-Group Fidelity

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl acrylate (MA) was carried out by continuous feeding of Cu(I) activators. Typically, the solvent, the monomer, the initiator, and the CuBr2/Me6TREN deactivator are placed in a Schlenk flask (Me6TREN: tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine), while the CuBr/Me6TREN activator is placed in a gas-tight syringe and added to the reaction mixture at a constant addition rate by using a syringe pump. As expected, the polymerization started when Cu(I) was added and stopped when the addition was completed, and polymers with a narrow molecular weight distribution were obtained. The polymerization rate could be easily adjusted by changing the activator feeding rate. More importantly, the loss of chain end-groups could be precisely predicted since each loss of Br from the chain end resulted in the irreversible oxidation of one Cu(I) to Cu(II). The Cu(I) added to the reaction system may undergo many oxidation/reduction cycles in ATRP equilibrium, but would finally be oxidized to Cu(II) irreversibly. Thus, the loss of chain end-groups simply equals the total amount of Cu(I) added. This technique provides a neat way to synthesize functional polymers with known end-group fidelity.

Mechanism of Cu(I)/Cu(0)-Mediated Reductive Coupling Reactions of Bromine-Terminated Polyacrylates, Polymethacrylates, and Polystyrene

The mechanism of the Cu(I)/Cu(0)-mediated reductive coupling reactions of bromine-terminated polymer chain-end radicals, so-called atom-transfer radical coupling (ATRC), is studied. Poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and polystyrene (PSt), prepared by atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), were activated by an excess amount of Cu(I)Br and Cu(0) in the presence of tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me₆TREN), and the structural analyses of the resulting polymer products and deuterium-labeling experiments unambiguously determined the mechanism. While PMMA and PSt reacted by a radical mechanism as expected, PMA-bromide was reduced to an anionic species, which was most likely an organocopper species. Trapping experiments with TEMPO suggested that the polymer chain-end radicals were generated in all cases by the reduction of the bromine-terminated polymers by low-valent Cu species. However, the PMA chain-end radical was further reduced to the anionic species from which coupling products formed in low yield.

Cobalt(iii) and copper(ii) hydrides at the crossroad of catalysed chain transfer and catalysed radical termination: a DFT study

The article analyses the reactivity dichotomy leading different metal hydrides generated by H atom transfer in metal-mediated radical polymerization to preferentially yield catalysed chain transfer or radical termination by reaction with a monomer or a radical.

Properties and ATRP activity of copper complexes with substituted tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-based ligands

Synthesis, characterization, electrochemical studies, and ATRP activity of a series of novel copper(I and II) complexes with TPMA-based ligands containing 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-substituted pyridine arms were reported. In the solid state, Cu(I)(TPMA*(1))Br, Cu(I)(TPMA*(2))Br, and Cu(I)(TPMA*(3))Br complexes were found to be distorted tetrahedral in geometry and contained coordinated bromide anions. Pseudo-coordination of the aliphatic nitrogen atom to the copper(I) center was observed in Cu(I)(TPMA*(2))Br and Cu(I)(TPMA*(3))Br complexes, whereas pyridine arm dissociation occurred in Cu(I)(TPMA*(1))Br. All copper(I) complexes with substituted TPMA ligands exhibited a high degree of fluxionality in solution. At low temperature, Cu(I)(TPMA*(1))Br was found to be symmetrical and monomeric, while dissociation of either unsubstituted pyridine and/or 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-substituted pyridine arms was observed in Cu(I)(TPMA*(2))Br and Cu(I)(TPMA*(3))Br. On the other hand, the geometry of the copper(II) complexes in the solid state deviated from ideal trigonal bipyramidal, as confirmed by a decrease in τ values ([Cu(II)(TPMA*(1))Br][Br] (τ = 0.92) > [Cu(II)(TPMA*(3))Br][Br] (τ = 0.77) > [Cu(II)(TPMA*(2))Br][Br] (τ = 0.72)). Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry studies indicated a nearly stepwise decrease (ΔE ≈ 60 mV) of E1/2 values relative to SCE (TPMA (-240 mV) > TPMA*(1) (-310 mV) > TPMA*(2) (-360 mV) > TPMA*(3) (-420 mV)) on going from [Cu(II)(TPMA)Br][Br] to [Cu(II)(TPMA*(3))Br][Br], confirming that the presence of electron-donating groups in the 4 (-OMe) and 3,5 (-Me) positions of the pyridine rings in TPMA increases the reducing ability of the corresponding copper(I) complexes. This increase was mostly the result of a stronger influence of substituted TPMA ligands toward stabilization of the copper(II) oxidation state (log β(I) = 13.4 ± 0.2, log β(II) = 19.3 (TPMA*(1)), 20.5 (TPMA*(2)), and 21.5 (TPMA*(3))). Lastly, ARGET ATRP kinetic studies show that with more reducing catalysts an induction period is observed. This was attributed to slow regeneration of Cu(I) species from the corresponding Cu(II).

Explaining unexpected data via competitive equilibria and processes in radical reactions with reversible deactivation

In the game rock-paper-scissors, each of the three options, or pathways, has an equal chance of dominating, that is, rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock. In the classical form of the game, there is no one dominant pathway to follow, but they are all balanced in likelihood. However, in chemical reactions with several competing reagents, the question must be asked, are all competing reactions and pathways accessible? A related question is, if there are two, or more reversible processes that compete for the same reagent, will both processes equilibrate simultaneously, or will one process dominate system? Can these competing processes shed light on otherwise puzzling data? Several unexpected and counterintuitive experiments have been reported in radical reactions with reversible deactivation. These unexpected observations can be illustrated by the near absence of the products of conventional bimolecular radical coupling in the radical transformation of methylcobaltamine to acetylcobaltamine. Another counterintuitive observation is a difference in the copolymer composition in some copolymerizations proceeding via reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) vs conventional radical polymerization (RP), for example, nitroxide mediated polymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate. A similarly puzzling phenomenon is the reduction in the branching fraction in poly(acrylates) polymerized by RDRP vs conventional RP. In the three previously mentioned cases, the radicals formed in reversible deactivation radical reactions are identical to those formed in the corresponding conventional radical process; therefore an explanation for the discrepancy in the outcomes of the reaction is needed. Other unexpected observations include the presence of initial periods of slower monomer consumption in RDRP reactions initiated by a conventional radical initiator with certain chain transfer agents, while changing the nature of chain transfer agent can lead to an acceleration of the reaction during the initial period. Similarly, in Cu mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with initiators for continuous radical regeneration (ICAR) initiated by a conventional radical initiator, the rate of polymerization should not depend on either the alkyl halide concentration or the Cu concentration. However, experiments show that the rate could be 10 times faster with alkyl halide than without alkyl halide. Finally, in aqueous media, the presence of active alkyl halides can appear to stop the disproportionation of Cu(I) complexes. These unusual data point to a more complex mechanism than originally envisioned, and in fact all these counterintuitive observations can be explained by the concept of competing equilibria and processes. In these cases, the presence of two or more reactions competing for the same reagent typically causes one pathway to dominate, while the rate of the other pathways are diminished. Alternatively, the competing pathways and processes can cause one or more reversible or pseudoreversible reactions to be imbalanced and lead to products distinct from the case where rates of forward and reverse reactions are balanced. In this Account, the concept of competitive processes and equilibria is developed and used to explain each of the unusual observations highlighted above.

How are radicals (re)generated in photochemical ATRP?

The polymerization mechanism of photochemically mediated Cu-based atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was investigated using both experimental and kinetic modeling techniques. There are several distinct pathways that can lead to photochemical (re)generation of Cu(I) activator species or formation of radicals. These (re)generation pathways include direct photochemical reduction of the Cu(II) complexes by excess free amine moieties and unimolecular reduction of the Cu(II) complex, similar to activators regenerated by electron-transfer (ARGET) ATRP processes. Another pathway is photochemical radical generation either directly from the alkyl halide, ligand, or via interaction of ligand with either monomer or with alkyl halides. These photochemical radical generation processes are similar to initiators for continuous activator regeneration (ICAR) ATRP processes. A series of model experiments, ATRP reactions, and kinetic simulations were performed to evaluate the contribution of these reactions to the photochemical ATRP process. The results of these studies indicate that the dominant radical (re)generation reaction is the photochemical reduction of Cu(II) complexes by free amines moieties (from amine containing ligands). The unimolecular reduction of the Cu(II) deactivator complex is not significant, however, there is some contribution from ICAR ATRP reactions involving the interaction of alkyl halides and ligand, ligand with monomer, and the photochemical cleavage of the alkyl halide. Therefore, the mechanism of photochemically mediated ATRP is consistent with a photochemical ARGET ATRP reaction dominating the radical (re)generation.

Macromolecular engineering by atom transfer radical polymerization

This Perspective presents recent advances in macromolecular engineering enabled by ATRP. They include the fundamental mechanistic and synthetic features of ATRP with emphasis on various catalytic/initiation systems that use parts-per-million concentrations of Cu catalysts and can be run in environmentally friendly media, e.g., water. The roles of the major components of ATRP--monomers, initiators, catalysts, and various additives--are explained, and their reactivity and structure are correlated. The effects of media and external stimuli on polymerization rates and control are presented. Some examples of precisely controlled elements of macromolecular architecture, such as chain uniformity, composition, topology, and functionality, are discussed. Syntheses of polymers with complex architecture, various hybrids, and bioconjugates are illustrated. Examples of current and forthcoming applications of ATRP are covered. Future challenges and perspectives for macromolecular engineering by ATRP are discussed.

Copper catalysed Ullmann type chemistry: from mechanistic aspects to modern development

Cu-catalysed arylation reactions devoted to the formation of C-C and C-heteroatom bonds (Ullmann-type couplings) have acquired great importance in the last decade. This review discusses the history and development of coupling reactions between aryl halides and various classes of nucleophiles, focusing mostly on the different mechanisms proposed through the years. Selected mechanistic investigations are treated more in depth than others. For example, evidence in favour or against radical mechanisms is discussed. Cu(I) and Cu(III) complexes involved in the Ullmann reaction and N/O selectivity in aminoalcohol arylation are discussed. A separate section has been dedicated to the synthesis of heterocyclic rings through intramolecular couplings. Finally, recent developments in green chemistry for these reactions, such as reactions in aqueous media and heterogeneous catalysis, have also been reviewed.

Reversible deactivation radical polymerization in the presence of zero-valent metals: from components to precise polymerization

We highlight recent work from the advent of zero-valent metal-mediated RDRP looking at advances in its components and the synthesis of well-defined polymers.

Reactivity of (Dicarboxamide)M(II)-OH (M = Cu, Ni) Complexes: Reaction with Acetonitrile to Yield M(II)-Cyanomethides

The complexes (Bu₄N)(L^MeM(II)-OH) (L^Me = 2,6-dimethylphenyl-substituted pyridine(dicarboxamide); M = Cu or Ni) react with CH₃CN to yield (Bu₄N)(L^MeM-CH₂CN), novel cyanomethide complexes that were fully characterized, including by X-ray crystallography. These conversions contrast with the usual reactions of metal-hydroxide complexes with nitriles, which typically involve attack at the nitrile carbon and formation of amides or carboxylic acids. Kinetic studies (M = Cu) revealed a first-order dependence on the complex and a kinetic isotope effect (k(CH₃CN)/k(CD₃CN) of 4. Various mechanisms involving either intra- or intermolecular deprotonation steps are proposed. In addition, (Bu₄N)(L^MeCu-OH) was oxidized by Fc⁺PF₆^- to a proposed Cu(III) complex L^MeCuOH at low temperature, and comparisons of its stability and reactivity with dihydroanthracene were drawn to its previously described congener having isopropyl substituents on the phenyl rings of the supporting ligand. The cyanomethide complex (Bu₄N)(L^MeCu(CH₂CN)) also was reversibly oxidized both electrochemically (E_1/2 = -0.345 V vs. Fc/Fc⁺) and chemically (Fc⁺PF₆^-, -25 °C). The product was formulated as L^MeCu(III)(CH₂CN), a novel Cu(III)-alkyl complex relevant to such species proposed during copper-catalyzed organic reactions.