Browsing by Subject "N-heterocyclic carbene"
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Item Applications of N-heterocycles in electrically and ionically conductive polymers(2010-08) Norris, Brent Carl; Bielawski, Christopher W.; Anslyn, Eric V.; Manthiram, Arumugam; Colwey, Alan H.; Sessler, Jonathan L.The covalent bond formed between a N-heterocyclic carbene and an aryl-isothiocyanate was discovered to be thermally-reversible. This bond was incorporated into the backbone of an aromatic polymer which, when subjected to heat and excess monomer, would depolymerize to smaller oligomers. In addition these small molecules contain active chain ends and could be repolymerized to reform the original polymer. The high molecular weight material was made into freestanding sheets with desirable mechanical properties and could be made conductive by treatment with iodine. A new poly(triazene) was formed from the reaction of a facially opposed, annulated, bis-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and an organic bis-azide. The NHC as well as the azide were varied and combined to produce a series of polymers which were characterized by GPC, TGA, and NMR. These thermally robust polymers were also coated onto glass slides and rendered electrically conductive by exposure to iodine vapor. A new reagent for Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization (RAFT) is described. This imidazolium based reagent shows unusually fast kinetics which allows it to control polymerizations at significantly reduced loadings compared to the more traditional neutral dithiocarbamates or dithioesters. The fast kinetics is explained by the rapid rotation of the dithioester about the plane of the cationic N-heterocycle. Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (sPEEK) membranes were blended with imidazoles with varying pKas. The proton conductivity of the membranes was evaluated as a function of pKa and temperature. Interestingly, the conductivity of the dry membranes showed a non-monotonous profile over a temperature range of 25 – 150 C. We use a theoretical model to better understand the mechanistic origins of the observed temperature–conductivity profiles. This model is based on the reaction equilibria between sPEEK’s sulfonic acid groups and the basic sites of the added heterocycles. Using the copper-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar “click” cycloaddition reaction, poly(sulfone)s containing pendant azide moieties were functionalized with various amounts of sodium 3-(prop-2-ynyloxy)propane-1-sulfonate and crosslinked with 1,7-octadiyne. The degree of sulfonation as well as the degree of cross-linking was systematically varied by changing the ratios of the aforementioned reagents. The polymers were cast into membranes, acidified, and then tested for proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) performance.Item Asymmetric hydrogenations of aryl alkenes using imidazol-2-ylidene iridium complexes(Texas A&M University, 2005-08-29) Cui, XiuhuaA library of iridium complexes featuring oxazoline and imidazol-2-ylidene ligands were synthesized by reaction of a library of imidazoles with a second library of oxazoline iodides. These complexes were active catalysts for hydrogenations of aryl substituted monoenes. Tri- and 1,1-disubstituted alkenes were hydrogenated quantitatively with ee??s up to 99% at 1 atm hydrogen pressure. Catalyst, substrate, temperature and pressure effects were studied. The iridium complexes were also used for the kinetic study of hydrogenation of 2,3- diphenylbutadiene. This hydrogenation is a stepwise reaction: one double bond was hydrogenated first, then the second one. Both step hydrogenations were zero order in alkene. The consumption of 2,3-diphenylbutadiene was first order in catalyst, and probably first order in hydrogen pressure too. The enantioselectivity for the first step hydrogenation was low. There were match and mismatch catalyst-substrate relationships for the second step hydrogenation, and the enantioselectivities for this step were catalyst controlled. NMR studies indicated that the initiation of the reaction involved both hydrogen and alkene substrate. A competitive experiment was designed to explore the formation of meso-alkane at first step hydrogenation, and the results indicated that the alkane was formed predominantly via an associative mechanism. Four types of conjugate dienes were synthesized and hydrogenated. Different reactivities and selectivities were obtained for each type of dienes. In the best case, a diene was hydrogenated quantitatively with an excellent ent/meso ratio of 20:1.0 and 99% enantioselectivity. The scope, limitation and potential applications of the reactions were discussed. A selection of the dienes was hydrogenated with the Crabtree??s catalyst, for comparison, and the yields, conversions and diastereoselectivities were inferior to those from iridium-oxazoline-imidazol-2-ylidene catalysts.Item Design, synthesis, and evaluation of new organometallic and polymeric materials for electrochemical applications(2013-08) Varnado, Charles Daniel, Jr.; Bielawski, Christopher W.ChemistryItem Novel N-heterocyclic carbene architectures for the synthesis and application of structurally dynamic materials(2010-05) Williams, Kyle Aronson, 1983-; Bielawski, Christopher W.; Cowley, Alan H.; Paul, Donald R.; Siegel, Dionicio R.; Willson, Carlton G.The recent development of materials with autonomous repair capabilities has opened an exciting new field of polymer science expected to impact nearly every facet of modern society. Similar to natural systems, these "self-healing" materials sense when their structural integrity has been compromised (e.g., due to wear or damage) and respond with a viable repair mechanism. Despite the extraordinary number of successes and advances in this area, a means to ascertain instantaneous knowledge of a material's structural integrity, and more importantly, when it has been compromised, remains a considerable challenge in current systems and materials. To address this challenge, we report recent efforts toward the development of an electronically conductive material that is structurally dynamic and responds to various types of external stimuli. In particular, we have developed new synthetic methodology to prepare a variety of organometallic polymers containing a novel benzobisimidazolylidene or bis(benzoimidazolylidene) ligand, which is comprised of two linearly opposed N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) annulated to a common linker, and various types of transition metals in the polymer's main-chain. Using this approach, polymers with molecular weights up to 10⁶ Da were prepared and cast into robust thin films. Using four-point probe technique, the inherent conductivities of these materials were found to be on the order of 10⁻³ S/cm. Secondly, the dynamics of these polymers were probed in solution using gel permeation chromatography. At specific cross-linker loadings, thermally-responsive gels were obtained. Collectively, these experiments suggested that the essential features for a thermally-responsive, structurally dynamic, conjugated organometallic polymer were developed. Efforts toward probing their ability to display self-healing characteristics in the solid-state are described. The inherent conductivity of the polymers permitted the healing behavior of thin films to be observed by scanning electron microscopy in the absence of a dopant. Long range goals of implementing and utilizing these materials in electronic circuits and other advanced devices are also described. An additional approach towards a dynamic material utilized functional imidazolium-based ionic liquids. A series of functional ionic liquids were produced by appending N-substituents containing pendant halides, alkynes, azides, furans and maleimides. These functional groups allowed for polymerization and crosslinking. The physical properties of the imidazolium monomers, as well as the resulting polymers, could be tuned by altering the anion. When a trifunctional monomer is used in conjunction with the polymerization of difunctional ionic liquids an insoluble crosslinked material forms. This behavior, combined with NHCs ability to bind transition metals as ligands and catalyze various organic transformations, provides potential for this system to be used as a method for catalyst recovery and ultimately catalyst recycling.Item Photoswitching the donating and catalytic properties of N-heterocyclic carbenes and the design of functional co-polymers for stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles(2013-05) Neilson, Bethany Margaret; Bielawski, Christopher W.In an effort to develop broadly applicable photoswitchable catalysts, we have reported a method for modulating N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) donicity using light by incorporating a photochromic diarylethene (DAE) into the backbone of a NHC scaffold. UV irradiation of 4,5-dithienylimidazolone or an analogous NHC-Ir(CO)₂Cl complex effected a photocyclization between the two thiophene rings, which led to a change in the electron donating ability of the NHC scaffold. Subsequent exposure to visible light reversed the photocyclization reaction. The concept of photo-modulating NHC donicity in this manner enabled photoswitchable NHC organocatalysis. The catalytic activity of a DAE-annulated imidazolium pre-catalyst in transesterification and amidation reactions was successfully switched between the active and nearly inactive states ([kappa]vis/[kappa]UV = 100) upon alternate UV ([lambda]irr = 313 nm) or visible ([lambda]irr > 500 nm) irradiation. The photoswitchable NHC organocatalysis was later extended to facilitating ring-opening polymerizations of cyclic esters, the rates of which were controlled via external light stimuli. Additionally, a photochromic dithienylethene-annulated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-Rh(I) complex was synthesized and enabled photoswitching of the catalytic activity in series of hydroboration reactions. All of the examples demonstrate extremely rare instances of photomodulating a catalyst's activity by tuning its electronic properties. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the versatility of NHCs in both organo- and organometallic catalysis, we have developed novel photoswitchable catalysts for a variety of applicable transformations. Nanoparticles that can be transported in subsurface reservoirs at high salinities and temperatures are expected to have a major impact on enhanced oil recovery and electromagnetic imaging. We have developed an approach that will facilitate nanopaticle transport through porous media at high salinity by adsorbing or grafting rationally designed co-polymers on platform nanoparticles. Notably, co-polymers of acrylic acid with either 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate or styrenesulfonate have been electrostatically adsorbed or covalently grafted onto iron oxide nanoclusters. The presence of sulfonate groups on the iron oxide surface enabled long-term colloidal stability of the particles in extremely concentrated brine (8% wt. NaCl + 2% wt. CaCl₂) at elevated temperatures (90 °C) and minimized their adsorption on model mineral surfaces.Item Synthesis, metal complexes, reduction chemistry and antimicrobial applications of a novel bis(imino)acenaphthene (BIAN)-supported N-heterocyclic carbene(2012-12) Butorac, Rachel Renee; Cowley, Alan H; Jones, Richard A; Holliday, Bradley J; Anslyn, Eric V; Brown, Jr., R. MalcolmThe use of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) as ligands in catalysis is one of the most significant developments in modern catalysis and organometallic chemistry. One way to extend the scope of NHC ligand tuning is by means of annulation of carbocyclic and heterocyclic rings to the NHC backbone. The bis(imino)acenaphthene-supported N-heterocyclic carbene [IPr(BIAN)] has been synthesized and can be regarded as originating from the fusion of a naphthalene ring to an NHC. Several metal complexes of IPr(BIAN), including those incorporating copper(I), silver(I), gold(I), or iridium(I) have been synthesized and characterized, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The doncity of IPr(BIAN) was investigated using the Tolmen Electronic Parameter (TEP) method. A TEP value of 2042 cm-1 was calculated for the IPr(BIAN) ligand using the Ir(CO)2Cl complex which indicates that IPr(BIAN) is a relatively strong electron donating NHC ligand. The well-behaved redox chemistry of the BIAN ligand class rendered IPr(BIAN) an excellent candidate for exploration of the relationship between ligand charge and carbene donicity. The electrochemical reduction of IPr(BIAN) was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in a THF solution and a reversible reduction wave was detected at - 1.79 V vs SCE. Spectroelectrochemical IR studies were also undertaken to further characterize the nature of the reduced state. IPr(BIAN) was found to be a stronger electron donating ligand in the reduced state in comparison with the neutral state of the ligand. IPr(BIAN) was also chemically reduced using potassium graphite and the resulting radical anion was studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. An isotropic EPR signal was observed at a g value of 2.0112. Due to the known antimicrobial activities of silver and gold NHCs, the activities of the silver and gold complexes of IPr(BIAN) and the imidazolium salts of several BIAN ligands were investigated using the minimum inhibitory concentration test. The silver(I) and gold(I) complexes of IPr(BIAN) were found to be moderately active. The most active compounds were found to be the imidazolium salts, with MIC values ranging between < 0.6 μg/mL and 78 μg/mL for the diisopropylphenyl(BIAN) and the mesityl(BIAN) imidazolium chlorides against S. aureas, B. subtilis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. The preparation of nanofibers impregnated with IPr(BIAN)AuCl by the process of electrospinning was also explored. The antimicrobial activities of the resulting nanofiber mats were determined on the basis of the inhibition zone test, and a localized antimicrobial activity was observed for the Gram-positive bacteria M. leuteus.Item The use of new reactions for novel polymerizations, polymers and architectures(2008-12) Coady, Daniel Joseph; Bielawski, Christopher W.The design, synthesis and characterization of novel conjugated polymers are described. Using a coupling reaction recently developed within our labs, polymers were constructed through triazene linkages generated by joining N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) with organic azides. This triazene reaction produced polymer of sufficiently high molecular weight as to be spin-coated and rendered conductive upon doping with iodine. The reaction also has potential for executing post-polymerization modifications. This was evidenced through rapid functionalization of poly(4-methylazido-styrene) via triazene formation using a commercially available N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC). A formal anion metathesis of benzobis(imidazolium)s was used to transform neutral block copolymers into block ionomers. Further investigation of the block ionomers revealed their solvent mediated self assembly. The gradual change of organic to aqueous media caused the adoption of a three-dimensional micelle conformation as determined by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Through the exploitation of carbene-carbon disulfide adducts, new chain transfer agents were generated. After 2-dithiocarboxylate-imidazolium adduct formation, alkylation was performed with benzyl bromide. The resulting charged chain transfer agent was tested for its ability to moderate radical addition fragmentation (RAFT) polymerizations of styrene. A considerable increase in transfer kinetics as compared to that of commonly used RAFT agents was observed whilst retaining low polydispersity and molecular weight control. The rate enhancement is presumably due to the electron withdrawing imidazolium activating the thionyl towards the nucleophilic radical while retaining effective fragmentation. Ion coordinating macrocycles were affixed to a poly(methacrylate) scaffold for employment as electrolyte extractants. Polymer bound calix[4]pyrrole was found to complex fluoride and chloride with sufficient strength as to extract tetrabutylammonium salts from water. Enhanced extraction abilities were observed when calix[4]pyrrole was used in conjunction with benzo-15-crown-5. Methacrylate polymers containing both macrocycles affected the removal of aqueous potassium fluoride from a biphasic water/dichloromethane mixture. To provide evidence for the presence of potassium fluoride within the dichloromethane layer, ¹⁹F NMR and flame emission spectroscopy were used.