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At least 19 records

Incorporation of catechyl monomers into lignins: lignification from the non-phenolic end via Diels–Alder cycloaddition?

Canonical lignification occurs via the coupling of phenolic radicals, in which chain extension can occur only from phenolic ends of growing polymer chains. Radical coupling of catechyl monomers, including caffeyl and 5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohols, gives rise to benzodioxane units in the polymer. Anticipating that a catechol could oxidize to its o-benzoquinone analog under the dehydrogenative (oxidative) conditions of lignification, we examined the possibility that an o-benzoquinone, as the diene component, could also incorporate into lignin via another mechanism, the Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction. The o-benzoquinone derived from methyl 5-hydroxyvanillate and 4-O-methylconiferyl alcohol served as models for the diene and dienophile, respectively, and produced Diels–Alder products in vitro. Two types of Diels–Alder products were found: (i) when the 1,2-diketone of the quinone acts as the diene in a hetero-Diels–Alder reaction, a benzodioxane structure was produced with a different regiochemistry than the benzodioxane isomer produced via radical coupling; (ii) when the quinone's diene participated in the Diels–Alder reaction, a distinctive oxatricyclo structure was produced. Both features may be used as markers for the occurrence of Diels–Alder reactions in lignification. Examination of natural lignins derived from catechyl monomers, however, did not reveal evidence for such products. The conclusion is that the only significant reactions in lignification are combinatorial radical coupling reactions of the single-electron-oxidized phenolics and that polymer chain extension therefore occurs only from the phenolic end-units even in the special case of plants that utilize catechyl monomers for lignification.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Diels-Alder Trapping of Photochemically Generated Dienes with Acrylic Esters: A Novel Approach to Photocured Polymer Film Development

Diels-Alder cycloadditions have often been utilized in polymer synthesis as an alternative to condensation reactions. In our earlier efforts, we developed a new method for the preparation of linear aromatic polyimides, which employs o-quionodimethanes (o-QDMs), generated by a well-known photochemical reaction: the photoenolization of o-methylphenyl ketones. Photolysis of o-methylbenzophenone 1 produces hydroxy-o-quino- diemthane 2, which can be trapped with dienophiles, such as dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, to efficiently yield the corresponding cycloadduct (Scheme 1). Here we extend this approach to a novel photocuring process for development of polymer films. We synthesized a series of molecules with multi o-mehtylphenyl ketone functionalities. We further investigated these molecules as photoreactive monomers to obtain polyester films through Diels-Alder cycloadditions.

Ilhan, Faysal↗

Bioenabled Platform to Access Polyamides with Built-In Target Properties

The diversification of platform chemicals is key to today’s petroleum industry. Likewise, the flourishing of tomorrow’s biorefineries will rely on molecules with next-generation properties from biomass. Herein, we explore this opportunity with a novel approach to monomers with custom property enhancements. Cyclic diacids with alkyl and aromatic decorations were synthesized from muconic acid by Diels-Alder cycloaddition and copolymerized with hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid to yield polyamides with built-in hydrophobicity and flame retardancy. Testing shows a 70% reduction in water uptake and doubling of char production while largely retaining other key properties of the parent Nylon-6,6. In conclusion, the present approach can be generalized to access a wide range of performance-advantaged polyamides.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Dual Feedstock Upcycling of α-Methylstyrene-Doped Poly(methyl methacrylate) and Biomass via the Telescope of Depolymerization and Diels–Alder Reaction

Nearly 90% of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is not recycled and instead ends up in landfills. Conventional pyrolysis of PMMA recovers impure methyl methacrylate (MMA) with low economic value. Here, we present a telescoped dual upcycling strategy that integrates PMMA depolymerization, Diels–Alder cycloaddition, and aromatization to convert AMS-doped PMMA and biomass-derived 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) into 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (pseudocumene), a valuable chemical feedstock. BBr 3 proved effective in promoting the challenging Diels–Alder reaction between MMA and DMF under high pressure of argon.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Addition polymers from 1,4,5,8-tetrahydro-1,4;5,8-diepoxyanthracene and Bis-dienes. 2: Evidence for thermal dehydration occurring in the cure process

Diels-Alder cycloaddition copolymers from 1,4,5,8-tetrahydro-1,4;5,8-diepoxyanthracene and anthracene end-capped polyimide oligomers appear, by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), to undergo dehydration at elevated temperatures. This would produce thermally stable pentiptycene units along the polymer backbone, and render the polymers incapable of unzipping through a retro-Diels-Alder pathway. High resolution solid 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of one formulation of the polymer system before and after heating at elevated temperatures, shows this to indeed be the case. NMR spectra of solid samples of the polymer before and after heating correlated well with those of the parent pentiptycene model compound before and after acid-catalyzed dehydration. Isothermal gravimetric analyses and viscosities of the polymer before and after heat treatment support dehydration as a mechanism for the cure reaction.

Meador, Mary Ann B.↗

Addition polymers from 1,4,5,8-tetrahydro-1,4;5,8-diepoxyanthracene and Bis-dienes: Processable resins for high temperature application

1,4,5,8-Tetrahydro-1,4;5,8-diepoxyanthracene reacts with various anthracene endcapped polyimide oligomers to form Diels-Alder cycloaddition copolymers. The polymers are soluble in common organic solvents, and have molecular weights of approximately 21,000 to 32,000. Interestingly, these resins appear to be more stable in air then in nitrogen. This is shown to be due to a unique dehydration (loss of water ranges from 2 to 5 percent) at temperatures of 390 to 400 C to give thermo-oxidatively stable pentiptycene units along the polymer backbone. Because of their high softening points and good thermo-oxidative stability, the polymers have potential as processible, matrix resins for high temperature composite applications.

Meador, Mary Ann B.↗

Processable, high temperature polymers from 1,4,5,8-tetrahydro-1,4;5,8-diepoxyanthracene and bis-dienes

1,4,5,8-tetrahydro-1,4;5,8-diepoxyanthracene reacts with various anthracene end-capped polyimide oligomers to form Diels-Alder cycloaddition copolymers. The polymers are soluble in common organic solvents, and have molecular weights of approximately 21,000 to 32,000. These resins exhibit lower weight loss in air than in nitrogen. This is suggested to be due to dehydration (loss of water ranges from 2 to 5 percent) at temperatures of 390 to 400 C to give thermooxidatively stable pentiptycene units along the polymer backbone. Because of their high softening points and good thermooxidative stability, the polymers have potential as processable, matrix resins for high temperature composite applications.

Meador, Mary Ann B.↗

Polyesters by Photochemical Cyclopolymerization

The polyesters of this invention are derived from a Diels-Alder cyclopolymerization of a photochemically generated bisdiene with dienophiles, such as di(acrylates), tri (acrylates), di(methacrylates), tri(methacrylates) and mixtures thereof with mono(methacrylates) or mono(acrylate) end-caps. Irradiation of one or more diketones produces two distinct hydroxy o-quinodimethane (photoenol) intermediates. These intermediates are trapped via a Diels-Alder cycloaddition with appropriate dienophiles, e.g., di(acrylates) to give the corresponding in polyesters quantitative yields. When di(acrylates), tri(acrylates) and di and tri(methacrylates) or mixtures thereof with monoacrylate end-caps are used as the dienophile, the resulting polyesters have glass transition temperatures (Tg) as high as 200 C. Polyesters films can be prepared by ultraviolet irradiation of high solids content varnishes of the monomers in a small amount of solvent, e.g., cyclohexanone, dimethyl formamide, N-methylpyrollidone and the like. These polyesters, i.e. polyesters are characterized as having high glass transition temperatures, good mechanical properties and improved processing in the manufacture of composites, adhesives, electronic materials and films.

Michael A Meador↗

Polyimides by Photochemical Cyclopolymerization

The polyimides of this invention are derived from a Diels-Alder cyclopolymerization of a photochemically generated bisdiene with dienophiles, such as bismaleimides, trismaleimides and mixtures thereof with maleimide end-caps. Irradiation of one or more diketones produces two distinct hydroxy o-quinodimethane (photoenol) intermediates. These intermediates are trapped via a Diels-Alder cycloaddition with appropriate dienophiles, e.g., bismaleimide and/or trismaleimides to give the corresponding polyimides in quantitative yields. When bismaleimides, trismaleimides or mixtures thereof with maleimide end-caps are used as the dienophile, the resulting polyimides have glass transition temperatures (Tg) as high as 300 C. Polyimide films can be prepared by ultraviolet irradiation of high solids content varnishes of the monomers in a small amount of solvent, e.g., cyclohexanone, dimethyl formamide, N-methylpyrollidone and the like. These polyimides are characterized as having high glass transition temperatures, good mechanical properties and improved processing in the manufacture of adhesives, electronic materials and films.

Michael A Meador↗

Bisadducts from the Diels-Alder Trapping of Bis(o-Xylenols) Photochemically Generated from 2,5-Dibenzoyl-p-xylene

Photolysis of 2,5-dibenzoyl-p-xylene produces two discrete o-xylenols which undergo Diels-Alder cycloadditions with standard dienophiles, such as methyl acrylate, to produce 1,5-dihydroxy-1,5-diphenyl-l,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydroanthracenes, 2a, in good yield (greater than 80%). The anti bisadduct crystallizes into hydrogen bonded stacks. Conversion of both syn- and anti-bisadducts to the corresponding anthracenes was achieved through the use of standard dehydration and aromatization chemistry.

Meador, Michael A.↗

Photo-Curing: UV Radiation curing of polymers

The Polymers Branch of the Materials Division is dedicated to the development of high-performance for a variety of applications. Areas of significant interest include high- temperature polymers, low density, and high strength insulating materials, conductive polymers, and high density polymer electrolytes. This summer our group is working diligently on a photo-curing project. There is interest in the medical community feel the need for a new and improved balloon that will be used for angioplasty (a form of heart surgery). This product should maintain flexibility but add many other properties. Like possibly further processability and resistance to infection. Our group intends on coming up with this product by using photo-enolization (or simply, photo-curing) by Diels-Alder trapping. The main objective was to synthesize a series of new polymers by Diels-Alder cycloaddition of photoenols with more elastomeric properties. Our group was responsible for performing the proper photo-curing techniques of the polymers with diacrylates and bismaleimides, synthesizing novel monomers, and evaluating experimental results. We attempted to use a diacrylate to synthesize the polymer because of previous research done within the Polymers Branch here at NASA. Most acrylates are commercially available, have more elastometric properties than a typical rigid aromatic structure has and they contain ethylene oxides in the middle of their structure that create extensive flexibility. The problem we encountered with the acrylates is that they photo chemically and thermally self polymerize and create diradicals at low temperatures; these constraints caused a lot of unnecessary side reactions. We want to promote solely, diketone polymerization because this type of polymerization has the ability to cause very elastic polymers. We chose to direct our attention towards the usage of maleimides because they are known for eliminating these unnecessary side reactions.

Inman, Christina A.↗

Diels-Alder Trapping of Photochemically Generated o-Quinodimethane Intermediates: An Alternative Route to Photocured Polymer Film Development

Photolysis of o-methylphenyl ketones generates bis-o-quinodimethane intermediates that can be trapped in situ by dienophiles through Diels-Alder cycloadditions. This well-known photochemical process is applied to a series of six new photoreactive monomers containing bis-(o-methylphenyl ketone) functionalities combined with diacrylate and triacrylate ester monomers for the development of acrylic ester copolymer blends. Irradiation of cyclohexanone solutions of the bis-(o-methylphenyl ketone)s and acrylate esters produce thin polymer films. Solid state 13C NMR data indicated 47- 100% reaction of the bis-(o-methylphenyl ketone)s, depending on experimental conditions, to yield the desired products. DSC and TGA analyses were performed to determine the glass transition temperature, T,, and onset of decomposition, Td, of the resulting polymer films. A statistical Design of Experiments approach was used to obtain a systematic understanding of the effects of experimental variables on the extent of polymerization and the final polymer properties.

Tyson, Daniel S.↗

Polyimides by Photochemical Cyclopolymerization

The novel polyimides of this invention are derived from Diels-Alder cyclopolymerization of photochemically generated bisdienes with dienophiles, such as bismaleimides, trismaleimides and mixtures thereof with maleimide endcaps. Irradiation of one or more diketones produces two distinct hydroxy o-quinodimethane (photoenol) intermediates. These intermediates are trapped via Diels-Alder cycloaddition with appropriate dienophiles, e.g., bismaleimide and/or trismaleimides to give the corresponding polyimides in quantitative yields. When bismaleimides, trismaleimides or mixtures thereof with maleimide end-caps are used as the dienophile, the resulting polyimides have glass transition temperatures (Tg) as high as 300 C. Polyimide films can be prepared by ultraviolet irradiation of high solids content varnishes of the monomers in a small amount of solvent, e.g., cyclohexanone, dimethyl formamide, N-methylpyrollidone and the like. These novel polyimides are characterized as having high glass transition temperatures, good mechanical properties and improved processing in the manufacture of adhesives, electronic materials and films.

Meador, Michael A.↗

Polyimides by photochemical cyclopolymerization

The novel polyimides of this invention are derived from Diels-Alder cyclopolymerization of photochemically generated bisdienes with dienophiles, such as bismaleimides, trismaleimides and mixtures thereof with maleimide end-caps. Irradiation of one or more diketones produces two distinct hydroxy o-quinodimethane (photoenol) intermediates. These intermediates are trapped via Diels-Alder cycloaddition with appropriate dienophiles, e.g., bismaleimide and/or trismaleimides to give the corresponding polyimides in quantitative yields. When bismaleimides, trismaleimides or mixtures thereof with maleimide end-caps are used as the dienophile, the resulting polyimides have glass transition temperatures (Tg) as high as 300? C. Polyimide films can be prepared by ultraviolet irradiation of high solids content varnishes of the monomers in a small amount of solvent, e.g., cyclohexanone, dimethyl formamide, N-methylpyrollidone and the like. These novel polyimides are characterized as having high glass transition temperatures, good mechanical properties and improved processing in the manufacture of adhesives, electronic materials and films.

Meador, Michael A.↗

Phosphorus-containing solid catalysts and reactions catalyzed thereby, including synthesis of p-xylene

Methods and phosphorus-containing solid catalysts for catalyzing dehydration of cyclic ethers (e.g., furans, such as 2,5-dimethylfuran) and alcohols (e.g., ethanol and isopropanol). The alcohols and cyclic ethers may be derived from biomass. One example includes a tandem Diels-Alder cycloaddition and dehydration of biomass-derived 2,5-dimethyl-furan and ethylene to renewable p-xylene. The phosphorus-containing solid catalysts are also active and selective for dehydration of alcohols to alkenes.

Cho, Hong Je↗

Computing Reaction Kinetics with MC-PDFT–OPESf: Combining Multireference Electronic Structure Theory and Enhanced Sampling

Accurate rate constants are crucial for understanding and optimizing catalytic reactions mediated by enzymes, metalloproteins, and heterogeneous catalysts. These systems frequently present a dual computational challenge. Multiconfigurational reaction sites require multireference techniques for the accurate treatment of the electronic structure, and high activation barriers prevent efficient sampling of unbiased reactive transitions. In this work, we combine multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory (MC-PDFT) as an accurate and efficient multireference electronic structure method with on-the-fly probability-enhanced sampling flooding (OPESf) as an enhanced sampling method capable of accelerating reactive transitions. We demonstrate the approach on the Diels–Alder [4+2] cycloaddition between cis-butadiene and ethene as a reaction characterized by a large activation barrier and multireference character. MC-PDFT–OPESf provides reaction rates in agreement with experiments at a fraction of the computational cost required by conventional unbiased ab initio calculations. Here, we propose MC-PDFT–OPESf as an efficient approach for computing kinetics in strongly correlated molecular systems.

Chemical calculations↗

Dynamic Polymer Networks for On Demand Degradable Adhesives, Scaffolds, and Templates (Full Technical Report)

This feasibility study was motivated by a need for alternative mandrel materials to meet the next generation of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) ablator capsules. In response, a new polymer material based on reversible covalent bonds was proposed, with the objective to design thermosets to withstand elevated temperatures (140-200 degrees Celsius) while also being thermally degradable on-demand via controlled decomposition at temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius. A series of cyclopentadiene (Cp) containing thermosets were designed and synthesized to evaluate curing, reversibility and degradability via controlled retro-Diels Alder reactions using Cp-cycloaddition adducts as crosslinks. Ultimately, the current iteration of materials and strategy pursued in this study was assessed as impractical for meeting the needs and objectives of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) target fabrication program.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Dynamic Networks for On Demand Degradable Adhesives, Scaffolds and Templates (Abbreviated Final Report)

This feasibility study was motivated by a need for alternative mandrel materials to meet the next generation of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) ablator capsules. In response, a new polymer material based on reversible covalent bonds was proposed, with the objective to design thermosets to withstand elevated temperatures (140-200 degrees Celsius) while also being thermally degradable on-demand via controlled decomposition at temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius. A series of cyclopentadiene (Cp) containing thermosets were designed and synthesized to evaluate curing, reversibility and degradability controlled via retro-Diels Alder reactions using Cp-cycloaddition adducts as crosslinks. Ultimately, the current iteration of materials and strategy pursued in this study was assessed as impractical for meeting the needs and objectives of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) target fabrication program.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗