A facile route to ketene-functionalized polymers for general materials applications

Is a Vitrimer with a High Glass Transition Temperature Available? A Case Study on Rigid Polyimides Cross-Linked with Dynamic Ester Bonds

Vitrimers, possessing associative covalent adaptable networks, are cross-linked polymers exhibiting malleable (glass-like) feature and recyclable and reprocessable (thermoplastics-like) properties. The dynamic behaviors of vitrimer are dependent on both chain/molecular mobility (glass transition temperature, Tg) and dynamic bond-exchanging reaction rate (topology freezing transition temperature, Tv). This work aims on probing the effect of high Tg on the stress relaxation and physical recyclability of vitrimers, employing a polyimide cross-linked with dynamic ester bonds (Tg: 310 °C) as the example. Due to its high Tg and chain rigidity, the cross-linked polyimide does not exhibit a high extent of stress relaxation behavior at 320 °C (10 °C above its Tg), even though the temperature is much higher than the hypothetical Tv. While raising the processing temperature to 345 °C, the cross-linked polyimide exhibits a stress relaxation time of about 3300 s and physical malleability. Nevertheless, side reactions may occur in the recycling and reprocessing process under the harsh condition (high temperature and high pressure) to alter the thermal properties of the recycled sample. The diffusion control plays a critical role on the topography transition of a vitrimer having a high Tg. The Tg ceiling is noticeable for developments of vitrimers.

Construction of Saturated Oxazolo[3,2-b][1,2]oxazines via Tandem [3+2]-Cycloaddition/[1,3]-Rearrangement of Cyclic Nitronates and Ketenes

Reaction of six-membered cyclic nitronates with disubstituted ketenes affords hitherto unknown saturated oxazolo[3,2-b][1,2]oxazines possessing up to four contiguous stereogenic centers. The process involves a tandem of [3+2]-cycloaddition across the C═O bond of ketene, followed by a spontaneous [1,3]-rearrangement of transient vinylidene-substituted bicyclic nitrosoacetals. DFT calculations of the mechanism suggest that the [1,3]-O,C-shift proceeds through a recyclization of a biradical intermediate formed by an unusually mild homolytic cleavage of the N-O bond. The resulting products can be utilized as precursors of other fused 1,2-oxazines derivatives, in particular 1,2-oxazino-1,2,4-triazin-3-ones.

Phosphine-Catalyzed Annulations Based on [3+3] and [3+2] Trapping of Ketene Intermediates with Thioamides

With the aim of developing novel annulations via ketene intermediates, allenyl imide and alkynoates bearing good leaving groups are used for their function in a tandem conjugate addition-elimination reaction (SN2' type) promoted by nucleophilic phosphine catalysts. By utilizing thioamides as 1S,3N-bis-nucleophiles, [3+3] and [3+2] annulations have been established to allow rapid access to 1,3-thiazin-4-ones and 5-alkenyl thiazolones in high yields, respectively. Furthermore, the possible reaction mechanisms are proposed on the basis of deuterium labeling experiments and density functional theory calculations.

Synthesis and characterization of benzodioxinone mono-telechelics and their use in block copolymerization

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (mPEG)-based monotelechelics were quantitatively prepared by copper (I)-catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click reactions using azido-terminated polymers and alkyne functional benzodioxinones. The monotelechelic containing dimethyl moities (2,2-dimethyl-5-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)-4H-benzo[d][1,3]dioxin-4-one) was heat-sensitive, whereas the monotelechelic containing diphenyl moieties (2,2-diphenyl-5-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)-4H-benzo[d][1,3]dioxin-4-one) was UV light sensitive. Based on the FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and GPC investigations, the CuAAC click reactions enable the quantitative syntheses of monotelechelics under mild conditions. Moreover, the photosensitive mPEG-based monotelechelic was further utilized for the block copolymer synthesis upon UV-light irradiation. The photoinduced acylation of mPEG monotelechelic consist of (2,2-diphenyl-5-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)-4H-benzo[d][1,3]dioxin-4-one) in the presence of hydroxy-terminated poly(epsilon caprolactone) enabled the successful block copolymer formation.

Molecular Characterization of Polymer Networks

Polymer networks are complex systems consisting of molecular components. Whereas the properties of the individual components are typically well understood by most chemists, translating that chemical insight into polymer networks themselves is limited by the statistical and poorly defined nature of network structures. As a result, it is challenging, if not currently impossible, to extrapolate from the molecular behavior of components to the full range of performance and properties of the entire polymer network. Polymer networks therefore present an unrealized, important, and interdisciplinary opportunity to exert molecular-level, chemical control on material macroscopic properties. A barrier to sophisticated molecular approaches to polymer networks is that the techniques for characterizing the molecular structure of networks are often unfamiliar to many scientists. Here, we present a critical overview of the current characterization techniques available to understand the relation between the molecular properties and the resulting performance and behavior of polymer networks, in the absence of added fillers. We highlight the methods available to characterize the chemistry and molecular-level properties of individual polymer strands and junctions, the gelation process by which strands form networks, the structure of the resulting network, and the dynamics and mechanics of the final material. The purpose is not to serve as a detailed manual for conducting these measurements but rather to unify the underlying principles, point out remaining challenges, and provide a concise overview by which chemists can plan characterization strategies that suit their research objectives. Because polymer networks cannot often be sufficiently characterized with a single method, strategic combinations of multiple techniques are typically required for their molecular characterization.

Self-polymerization of Meldrum's acid-amine compounds: an effective route to polyamides

Meldrum's acid-amine compounds are effective monomers for the synthesis of linear and hyperbranched polyamides in a short reaction time under mild reaction conditions.

Synthesis of vinyl-1,2,3-triazole derivatives under transition metal-free conditions

Synthesis of vinyl triazole derivatives with alkynes and triazoles promoted by an inorganic base under transition metal-free conditions is reported.

Facile Multicomponent Polymerization and Postpolymerization Modification via an Effective Meldrum's Acid-Based Three-Component Reaction

Providing access to highly diverse polymer structures by multicomponent reactions is highly desirable; efficient Meldrum's acid-based multicomponent reactions, however, have been rarely highlighted in polymer chemistry. Here, the three-component reaction of Meldrum's acid, indole, and aldehyde is introduced into polymer synthesis. Direct multicomponent polymerization of Meldrum's acid, dialdehyde, and diindole can perform under mild conditions, resulting in complex Meldrum's acid-containing polymers with well-defined structures, and high molecular weights. Additionally, nearly quantitative postpolymerization modification can also perform via this Meldrum's acid-based multicomponent reaction. These results indicate that Meldrum's acid-based multicomponent reaction will be a potential tool to prepare novel polymers.

Surface-Grafted Polymeric Ionic Liquids with Tunable Morphology via In/Ex Situ Cross-linking Methods

Surface-grafted poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) films were prepared by both in and ex situ cross-linking methods with reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Cross-linked brushes are more stable than linear brushes without sacrificing the surface functionality and, therefore, have increased potential for applications in biomedicine and materials chemistry. The two methods, in situ via a bifunctional cross-linker and ex situ via thermal cross-linking, were systematically compared on silicon-wafer substrates. Films obtained through in situ cross-linking were superior to films derived from our ex situ cross-linking technique with respect to responsive behavior and controlling the formation of polymer brushes on the surface. Alternatively, more stable layers were obtained by the ex situ cross-linking method using a cross-linker based on Meldrum's acid, where the film structure could be changed from a brush to collapsed film morphologies with an increasing cross-linker ratio.

Self-crosslinkable polymers from furan-functionalized Meldrum's acid and maleimides as effective precursors of free-standing and flexible crosslinked polymer films showing low dielectric constants

The integration of Michael addition and Diels–Alder reaction in the synthesis of reactive polymers for self-standing and flexible crosslinked polymer films.

Lewis Acid-Activated Reactions of Silyl Ketenes for the Preparation of α-Silyl Carbonyl Compounds

Silyl-substituted ketenes are attractive molecular building blocks due to their stability and ease of storage, as opposed to unstable alkyl and aryl ketenes. To better understand the reactivity of silyl ketenes and, in turn, their use in the preparation of highly functionalized small molecules, the reaction of silyl ketenes with different nucleophiles was studied. The addition of alcohol, amine, or thiol nucleophiles to the central carbon of silyl ketene, followed by proton transfer afforded α-silyl ester, amide, or thio-ester, respectively. Catalytic amounts of Lewis acid greatly increase the rate of the reaction, and the impact of nucleophile, Lewis acid, and silyl substituent are evaluated. The small molecules produced from these reactions give insight into the use of silyl ketenes as building blocks for complex molecular structures.

Polymerization of Meldrum's Acid and Diisocyanate: An Effective Approach for Preparation of Reactive Polyamides and Polyurethanes

Meldrum's acid (MA) is utilized as a monomer to polymerize with diisocyanates to result in polyamides, containing MA moieties at polymer chains. This reaction is also employed to prepare isocyanate-terminated polyamide segments which are utilized as a precursor for preparation of MA-containing polyurethanes. Based on the thermolysis reaction of MA groups, followed by ketene dimerization reaction, the reactive polyamides and polyurethanes show self-cross-linkable features. The cross-linked polyurethanes exhibit good film formability, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. A new MA-based polymerization method and a novel synthesis route for preparation of reactive polyamides and polyurethanes are demonstrated.

Visible light induced radical coupling reactions for the synthesis of conventional polycondensates

We herein report a facile visible light induced synthetic method for preparing a series of conventional polycondensates, namely polyesters, polyurethanes and polyamides.

The Michael addition reaction of Meldrum's acid (MA): an effective route for the preparation of reactive precursors for MA-based thermosetting resins

Reactive monomers and polymers possessing Meldrum's acid groups from the Michael addition reaction are demonstrated.

Effective Synthesis Route for Linear and Cross-Linked Biodegradable Polyesters Using Aliphatic Meldrum's Acid Derivatives as Monomers

On the basis of the reaction between ketene and alcohol groups to result in an ester linkage and Meldrum's acid as an effective precursor of ketene group, a bifunctional aliphatic Meldrum's acid compound (BisMA) is synthesized and used as a monomer to react with ethylene glycol and glycerol for the preparation of linear and cross-linked aliphatic polyesters, respectively. A 62 and 35 wt % of biodegradation fraction have been recorded on the linear and cross-linked aliphatic polyesters after an 8 week biodegradation test, respectively, to demonstrate the good biodegradability of the synthesized polyesters. In addition to conventional linear biodegradable polyesters, this synthetic route also provides a new and convenient method for preparation of cross-linked biodegradable polyesters. The types of the required monomers and reaction methods for preparation of the cross-linked biodegradable polyesters are similar to those used for conventional thermosetting resins. An integration of biodegradable polymers and thermosetting resins in polymer chemistry has been demonstrated.

Vitrimeric Silicone Elastomers Enabled by Dynamic Meldrum's Acid-Derived Cross-Links

Current vitrimer technology uses only a handful of distinct reactions for cross-linking. New dynamic reactions can diversify vitrimer functionality and properties. In this paper, reversible cross-links formed by conjugate addition-elimination of thiols with a Meldrum's acid derivative enable compression-remolding of silicone elastomers. After 10 remolding cycles, there is no discernible deterioration of mechanical properties (Young's modulus, T_g, rubbery plateau E'), nor is there a change in stress relaxation activation energy. This robust new cross-linker could be implemented in any number of systems that currently use permanent thiol-ene cross-linking, expanding the scope of recyclable materials.

Self-crosslinkable and modifiable polysiloxanes possessing Meldrum's acid groups

Meldrum's acid functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane)s exhibiting self-crosslinking and post-modifiable features.

Combining benzoxazine and ketene chemistries for self-healing of high performance thermoset surfaces

The use of oxoketene chemistry for self-healable polybenzoxazines is described.

Benzodioxinone Photochemistry in Macromolecular Science: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

This paper reviews the photoinduced reactions of benzodioxinones and how they function in polymer synthesis and UV curing applications. The mechanistic characteristics of the ketene and benzophenone production from the photolysis of benzodioxinone indicate that, under certain conditions, each intermediate may undergo further reactions expedient for the formation of various polymeric structures. While ketenes are efficient contributors to step-growth polymerization when subjected to reaction with the compounds possessing hydroxyl or amine groups, the released benzophenone can be utilized as a photoinitiator in both the free radical and cationic polymerizations. It has been shown that the photolysis of heterobifunctional monomers equipped with benzodioxinone and aliphatic hydroxyl groups leads to the formation of oligoesters with a narrow molecular weight distribution. We also validated the photochemical ability of benzodioxinone to induce the synthesis of block and graft copolymers, hybrid and branched polymers, and cross-linked monofunctional vinyl monomers or hydroxyl group-containing linear polymers.

A Cocatalytic Effect between Meldrum's Acid and Benzoxazine Compounds in Preparation of High Performance Thermosetting Resins

In this work, a cocatalytic effect between Meldrum's acid (MA) and benzoxazine (Bz) compounds has been explored to build up a self-promoting curing system. Consequently, the MA/Bz reactive blend exhibits a relatively low reaction temperature compared to the required temperatures for the cross-linking reactions of the pure MA and Bz components. This feature is attractive for energy-saving processing issues. Moreover, the thermosetting resins based on the MA/Bz reactive blends have been prepared. The MA component can generate additional free volume in the resulting resins, so as to trap air in the resin matrix and consequently to bring low dielectric constants to the resins. The MA-containing agent is an effective modifier for benzoxazine resins to reduce their dielectric constants.

Degradable Amine-Reactive Coatings Fabricated by the Covalent Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone) with Degradable Polyamine Building Blocks

We report the fabrication of reactive and degradable cross-linked polymer multilayers by the reactive/covalent layer-by-layer assembly of a non-degradable azlactone-functionalized polymer [poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone), PVDMA] with hydrolytically or enzymatically degradable polyamine building blocks. Fabrication of multilayers using PVDMA and a hydrolytically degradable poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) containing primary amine side chains yielded multilayers (∼100 nm thick) that degraded over ∼12 days in physiologically relevant media. Physicochemical characterization and studies on stable films fabricated using PVDMA and an analogous non-degradable poly(amidoamine) suggested that erosion occurred by chemical hydrolysis of backbone esters in the PBAE components of these assemblies. These degradable assemblies also contained residual amine-reactive azlactone functionality that could be used to impart new functionality to the coatings post-fabrication. Cross-linked multilayers fabricated using PVDMA and the enzymatically degradable polymer poly(l-lysine) were structurally stable for prolonged periods in physiological media, but degraded over ∼24 h when the enzyme trypsin was added. Past studies demonstrate that multilayers fabricated using PVDMA and non-degradable polyamines [e.g., poly(ethylenimine)] enable the design and patterning of useful nano/biointerfaces and other materials that are structurally stable in physiological media. The introduction of degradable functionality into PVDMA-based multilayers creates opportunities to exploit the reactivity of azlactone groups for the design of reactive materials and functional coatings that degrade or erode in environments that are relevant in biomedical, biotechnological, and environmental contexts. This "degradable building block" strategy should be general; we anticipate that this approach can also be extended to the design of amine-reactive multilayers that degrade upon exposure to specific chemical triggers, selective enzymes, or contact with cells by judicious design of the degradable polyamine building blocks used to fabricate the coatings.

Radical and Atom Transfer Halogenation (RATH): A Facile Route for Chemical and Polymer Functionalization

This work demonstrates a new halogenation reaction through sequential radical and halogen transfer reactions, named as "radical and atom transfer halogenation" (RATH). Both benzoxazine compounds and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) have been demonstrated as active species for RATH. Consequently, the halogenated compound becomes an active initiator of atom transfer radical polymerization. Combination of RATH and sequential ATRP provides an convenient and effective approach to prepare reactive and crosslinkable polymers. The RATH reaction opens a new window both to chemical synthesis and molecular design and preparation of polymeric materials.

Thermotriggered Catalyst-Free Modification of a Glass Surface with an Orthogonal Agent Possessing Nitrile N-Oxide and Masked Ketene Functions

The thermotriggered modification of surfaces was performed under catalyst-free conditions using an orthogonal agent possessing both nitrile N-oxide and Meldrum's acid moieties. The nitrile N-oxide moiety of the orthogonal agent successfully underwent catalyst-free 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to unsaturated bonds of glass surfaces to produce Meldrum's acid-functionalized surfaces. The subsequent thermal decomposition of Meldrum's acid moiety in the presence of nucleophiles afforded versatile nucleophile-modified surfaces (e.g., wet, waterproof, and photoactive surfaces). Surface characteristics were investigated with the water contact angle, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the surface modification of silica nanoparticles using the orthogonal agent was also achieved to evaluate the density of the functional group concentration on the surface.

Synthesis and characterization of poly(N-vinyl-1,2,3-triazole)s derived from monomers obtained by highly efficient Wolff's cyclocondensation

High-efficiency synthetic access to poly(N-vinyl-1,2,3-triazole)s has been described via modified Wolff's cyclocondensation.

A palladium-catalysed multicomponent coupling approach to conjugated poly(1,3-dipoles) and polyheterocycles

Conjugated polymers have emerged over the past several decades as key components for a range of applications, including semiconductors, molecular wires, sensors, light switchable transistors and OLEDs. Nevertheless, the construction of many such polymers, especially highly substituted variants, typically involves a multistep synthesis. This can limit the ability to both access and tune polymer structures for desired properties. Here we show an alternative approach to synthesize conjugated materials: a metal-catalysed multicomponent polymerization. This reaction assembles multiple monomer units into a new polymer containing reactive 1,3-dipoles, which can be modified using cycloaddition reactions. In addition to the synthetic ease of this approach, its modularity allows easy adaptation to incorporate a range of desired substituents, all via one-pot reactions.

The requirement for multistep synthesis can render the fabrication of highly substituted polymers particularly troublesome. Here, the authors take advantage of metal-catalysed multicomponent polymerization to synthesize a large family of such materials with ease from single-pot reactions.

Combined epitaxial self-assembly of block copolymer lamellae on a hexagonal pre-pattern within microgrooves

The directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) has emerged as an alternative method to replace or complement conventional photolithography as a result of the approximately 10 nm scale of microdomain ordering, the variety of microstructures that can be obtained and its compatibility with current lithographic processes. In DSA, BCP microdomains are controlled via guide patterns and two main techniques are popular: graphoepitaxy and chemoepitaxy assembly. We have demonstrated a simple and feasible technology for a DSA process by combining graphoepitaxy with "inexpensive" chemoepitaxial assembly to improve the alignment of the lamellar microdomains. For chemoepitaxial assembly, the hexagonal surface patterns from cross-linkable, cylinder-forming BCP were used to guide the graphoepitaxial assembly of the overlying BCP lamellar film. When the guiding patterns were prepared on the hexagonal patterns, it was found that the degree of lamellar alignment was significantly improved compared with the lamellar alignment on the homogeneous neutral layers. Simulation results suggested that the underlying hexagonal pattern can assist the lamellar alignment by reducing the large number of orientation states of the lamellar layers. This strategy is applicable to various nanofabrication processes that require a high degree of fidelity in controlling the nanopatterns over large areas with reduced costs.

Utilization of a Meldrum's acid towards functionalized fluoropolymers possessing dual reactivity for thermal crosslinking and post-polymerization modification

New thermally cross-linkable and/or post-functionalizable perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) polymers containing Meldrum's acid moieties have been successfully prepared via the thermal cyclopolymerization of a new Meldrum's acid functionalized aromatic trifluorovinyl ether (TFVE) monomer.

Flexure-based Roll-to-roll Platform: A Practical Solution for Realizing Large-area Microcontact Printing

A continuous roll-to-roll microcontact printing (MCP) platform promises large-area nanoscale patterning with significantly improved throughput and a great variety of applications, e.g. precision patterning of metals, bio-molecules, colloidal nanocrystals, etc. Compared with nanoimprint lithography, MCP does not require a thermal imprinting step (which limits the speed and material choices), but instead, extreme precision with multi-axis positioning and misalignment correction capabilities for large area adaptation. In this work, we exploit a flexure-based mechanism that enables continuous MCP with 500 nm precision and 0.05 N force control. The fully automated roll-to-roll platform is coupled with a new backfilling MCP chemistry optimized for high-speed patterning of gold and silver. Gratings of 300, 400, 600 nm line-width at various locations on a 4-inch plastic substrate are fabricated at a speed of 60 cm/min. Our work represents the first example of roll-to-roll MCP with high reproducibility, wafer scale production capability at nanometer resolution. The precision roll-to-roll platform can be readily applied to other material systems.

The evolution of cyclopropenium ions into functional polyelectrolytes

Versatile polyelectrolytes with tunable physical properties have the potential to be transformative in applications such as energy storage, fuel cells and various electronic devices. Among the types of materials available for these applications, nanostructured cationic block copolyelectrolytes offer mechanical integrity and well-defined conducting paths for ionic transport. To date, most cationic polyelectrolytes bear charge formally localized on heteroatoms and lack broad modularity to tune their physical properties. To overcome these challenges, we describe herein the development of a new class of functional polyelectrolytes based on the aromatic cyclopropenium ion. We demonstrate the facile synthesis of a series of polymers and nanoparticles based on monomeric cyclopropenium building blocks incorporating various functional groups that affect physical properties. The materials exhibit high ionic conductivity and thermal stability due to the nature of the cationic moieties, thus rendering this class of new materials as an attractive alternative to develop ion-conducting membranes.

Aziridine in polymers: a strategy to functionalize polymers by ring-opening reaction of aziridine

Aziridine-containing polymers were synthesized, and post-modification of polymers was demonstrated through ring-opening reaction of aziridine.

Thermosetting resins with high fractions of free volume and inherently low dielectric constants

A new class of thermosetting resins are developed through the ketene chemistry with in situ formation of cavities in the resins so as to reduce the dielectric constants of the resins to about 2.0.