Synthesis and characterization of polyacrylonitrile grafted with poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)

Summary Free radical copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN, M₁) with poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)--vinylbenzyl ether (PPO-VBE, M₂, _n + 4200g/mol, _w/ _n + 1.04) was performed at 60°C in either a mixture of N,N-dimethylformamide/toluene or tetrahydrofuran, using 2,2-azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. The characterization of the resulting polyacrylonitrile grafted with poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PAN-g-PPO) was performed by 200 MHz ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and solubility.     

Effect of PVC on low-polar isobutylene polymerization in the presence of BCl3

Summary The isobutylene polymerizations in the presence of BCl₃ were carried out in dichloromethane ([M]=7 mol/l) at-20°C in the presence and absence of PVC. The products of polymerizations in the absence of PVC are oligoisobutylenes with a narrow molecular weight distribution ; their structure was analyzed by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. In addition to the signals assigned to known unsaturated terminal structures [ 4.62 and 4.82-CH₂C(CH₃)=CH₂, 5.12-CH=C(CH₃)₂], a new intense signal was found at 5.09 ppm and assigned to the structure-CH=C(CH₃)CH₂CH₃. A mixture of isobutylene homopolymers and PVC grafted with isobutylene (approx. 9.5% wt. isobutylene grafted) is formed in the presence of PVC.     

Phase transfer catalyzed polymerization of 4-bromo-2,6-dimethylphenol in the presence of a terminating comonomer phenol: 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol or 4-bromo-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol

Summary This paper describes the phase transfer catalyzed (PTC) polymerization of 4-bromo-2,6-dimethylphenol (1) in the presence 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol (2) or 4-bromo-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (4). The polymerization of 1 in the presence of 2 at a 1/2 molar ratio of 3/1 led to poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) with _n of 13400 g/mol at a yield of 85%. In contrast, the polymerization of 1 in the presence of 4 at 1/4 molar ratios of 5/1 and 10/1 did not produce any methanol insoluble PPO fraction when 4 was added at the beginning of the polymerization. However, PPO with _n + 1600 to 2400 g/mol were obtained when 4 was added to the polymerization system after 0.5 h and respectively 2.0 h after the homopolymerization of 1 was started. A radical-anion mechanism is proposed to account for these polymerization results.     

Multi-arm star polyisobutylenes

Summary The first synthesis of a multi-arm radial-star polyisobutylene (*-PIB) is described. The synthesis occurred by the addition of excess divinylbenzene (DVB) linking reagent to a living polyisobutylene (PIB) charge i.e., by the arm first method under specific conditions. The radial structure of the *-PIB was proven by determining the molecular weight of a sample by light scattering, then selectively destroying the aromatic polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) core, and finally determining the molecular weight of the surviving alphatic PIB arms. The synthesis strategy, kinetic observations during synthesis, and procedures leading to a representative *-PIB are described. This product whose g/mole with , contained 90.3 mole% (78 wt.%) PIB arms and 9.7 mole% (22 wt.%) aromatic core; thus the number of PIB arms emanating from the core was (number average number of arms)=56 or (weight average number of arms)=110.     

Hydrogen half-cells in molten salts. A potentiometric investigation of the systems (Pt or Au) H2O/H2, OH− in fused alkali nitrates

The potentiometric behaviour of the hydrogen electrodes (Pt or Au) H₂O-H₂, OH_–has been investigated in molten (Na_0·5, K_0·5)NO₃ at 503 K. In both cases the potential of the indifferent electrode could be expressed by the general equation [H₂O]/[H₂] [OH^–] which is different from the one expected on the basis of a Nernstian behaviour of the theoretical overall system 2H₂O+2e=H₂+2OH^–.The experimental findings are discussed in terms of mechanistic models involving the actual electrode surface and the standard potential for the theoretical (reversible) hydrogen electrode is calculated: =–·0V(versus Ag/Ag⁺ 0·07 M).     

Living metathesis polymerization of (p-n-butyl-o,o,m,m-tetrafluorophenyl)acetylene by MoOcl4-n-Bu4Sn-EtOH (1:1:1)

Summary Possibility of living metathesis polymerization by Mo catalysts was examined for (p-n-butyl-o,o,m,m-tetrafluorophenyl)acetylene, which has two fluorine atoms at both ortho positions. The MoOCl₄-n-Bu₄Sn-EtOH (1:1:1) catalyst yielded a polymer with narrow molecular weight distribution ( ), but the corresponding MoCl₅-based catalyst did not formed such a polymer. With the former catalyst, the number-average molecular weight of polymer increased in direct proportion to monomer conversion, while the molecular weight distribution remained narrow; this proves the livingness of the polymerization. The optimal conditions for the living polymerization were [n-Bu₄Sn]/[MoOCl₄]=∼1.0, [EtOH]/[MoOCl₄]=0.5–1.5, and temperature≤30 °C. n-Butyl acetate and acetone as well as EtOH were effective as third catalyst components.     

Formation of organized structures in systems of polyelectrolyte-ionic surfactants

Summary The interaction of polyelectrolytes with ionic surfactants is studied by turbidimetry and electron micrography. The turbidity of the mixed solution of PVS (poly(vinyl sulfate)) and CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) showed a sharp maximum at the mole ratio of 11, indicating quantitative binding between PVS and CTAB. A multilayer structure was observed on the electron micrograph only at the mole ratio of PVS:CTAB=21 with a spacing of about 25A. At the mole ratio of PVS:CTAB=11, a single strand structure was observed. The system of ionene polymer (3,4) -SDS (sodium lauryl sulfate) forms a multilayer structure at the equivalent ratio of 11 with a spacing of 20A.     

Synthesis of block copolymers of p-methoxystyrene and vinyl ethers by the hydrogen iodide/zinc iodide initiating system

Summary Amphiphilic or polar-nonpolar AB block copolymers of p-methoxystyrene (pMOS) and vinyl ethers (VE; methyl or isobutyl) were synthesized by the sequential living cationic polymerization initiated with the hydrogen iodide/zinc iodide (HI/ZnI₂) system in toluene at -15 and +25 °C. pMOS-VE block copolymers of narrow molecular weight distributions ( = 1.05−1.25; = 6000−16000) were obtained in nearly quantitative blocking efficiency, when methyl or isobutyl VE was polymerized first by HI/ZnI₂, followed by addition of pMOS to the resulting living polymer solutions; an additional amount of ZnI₂ was required to accelerate the second-phase living polymerization of the less reactive styrenic monomer. Similar block polymerizations in an opposite monomer-addition sequence (from pMOS to VE), in contrast, resulted in mixtures of the desired block polymer and homopolymer of pMOS.     

Living cationic polymerization of styrene by the methanesulfonic acid/tin tetrachloride initiating system in the presence of tetra-n-butylammonium chloride

Summary Living cationic polymerization of styrene was achieved by the methanesulfonic acid/tin tetrachloride (CH₃SO₃H/SnCl₄) initiating system in the presence of tetra-n-butylammonium chloride (nBu₄NCl) in methylene chloride solvent below 0 °C. The typical reagent concentrations of this initiating system were as follows: CH₃SO₃H/SnCl₄/nBu₄NCl=20/100/40 mM; [Styrene]₀=1.0 M. The number-average molecular weights of the product polymers increased in direct proportion to monomer conversion, and their molecular weight distributions (MWDs) were fairly narrow throughout the reaction. On addition of a fresh feed of styrene at the end of the polymerization, the added feed was smoothly polymerized at the same rate as in the first stage; the polymer molecular weight further increased in direct proportion to monomer conversion; and their molecular weight distributions stayed narrow . On the other hand, in the absence of nBu₄NCl, the polymerization initiated by CH₃SO₃H/SnCl₄ in CH₂Cl₂ at -15 °C led to non-living polymers with a broad molecular weight distribution. This indicates that nBu₄NCl is essential to this living system.     

The influence of total monomer concentration on the “reactivity” of ω-(p-vinylbenzyl ether) macromonomers of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) determined from radiacal copolymerization experiments with butyl methacrylate

Summary The influence of the total monomer concentration on the radical reactivity ratio r₁ of butyl methacrylate (BMA) (M₁)--(p-vinylbenzyl ether) macromonomer of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO-VBE) (M₂) monomer pair was investigated. For two different molecular weights of the PPO-VBE macromonomer ( , and ), the determined reactivity ratio r₁ decreases with the increase of the macromonomer concentration. Therefore, the reactivity of the macromonomer, 1/r₁, follows the opposite trend. This dependence is due to micelles formation during copolymerization. This microsegregation process partitionates the comonomer concentrations between the bulk of solvent and around the growing chain and therefore, the experimental r₁ is actually a product of the true reactivity ratio r₁ ⁰ and a partition coefficient k.     

[CuL(H2O)2]{[CuL][Fe(CN)6]}2·2H2O (L=3,10-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,5,8,10,12-hexaazacyclotetradecane): A Novel Three-Dimensional Coordination Polymer via H-Bonded Linkages of One-Dimensional Zigzag Chain

A complex with the formula [CuL(H₂O)₂]{[CuL][Fe(CN)₆]}₂·2H₂O, where L=3,10-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,5,8,10,12-hexaazacyclotetradecane, has been synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The structure is composed of a one-dimensional zigzag chain of units, and [CuL(H₂O)₂]²⁺ units. The one-dimensional zigzag chain extents through linkages. The adjacent two polymer chains are linked by the hydrogen bonding between [CuL(H₂O)₂]²⁺ and [Fe(CN)₆]^3–, forming a 3D supramolecular structure with inner hydrophilic channels. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show no exchange interaction between the Cu(II) and Fe(III) ions due to the longer (axial) bond length.     

The Polymerization of Metal-Containing Vinylic Monomers of Iron and Tungsten with Metal–Carbon σ Bonds

A series of metal-containing vinylic monomers of the type and was homopolymerized using 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the free-radical initiator. These monomers were also copolymerized with styrene in the presence of AIBN. These compounds represent a class of organometallic polymers in which the metal is bonded to the polymer backbone via a metal–carbon bond. The new compounds were characterized by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and thermoanalytical studies (DSC and TGA). The properties of the new organometallic polymers are discussed.     

Mass transfer at the electrodes of the ‘falling-film cell’

In the falling-film cell the electrolyte flows as a thin film in the channel between an inclined plane plate and a sheet of expanded metal which work as electrodes. The present work gives the mass transfer coefficients at both electrodes; the experimental variables are the electrolyte flow-rate, the angle of inclination of the channel and the interelectrode distance. The results allow three different flow regimes to be characterized. At low flow rates, there exists a particular regime where capillary effects are present; in this regime the mass transfer coefficient decreases with increasing flow rate, which is interesting from the point of view of possible industrial electrolytic applications.Nomenclature b width of the inclined channel - D diffusion coefficient - d interelectrode distance - e _m mean film thickness - Grashof number, based ond - Grashof number, based onL - ¯k overall mass transfer coefficient, defined by Equation 9 - L electrode length - Q _v volumetric flow rate - volumetric flow rate per unitQ _vl width of channel - Reynolds number - Schmidt number - Sherwood number, based ond - Sherwood number, based onL - mean velocity of the liquid film - inclination angle of the channel with respect to the horizontal - kinematic viscosity of them electrolyte     

Synthesis of a perfluorinated azo initiator

Summary A method to determine the recombination/disproportionation rate during the polymerization of styrene is described. In this method, a perfluorinated azo initiator used to prepare a perfluorinated polystyrene was first synthesized. Then, the recombination/disproportionation rate was calculated by comparing the number-average molecular weight and the fluorine content in weight of this resulting polystyrene.     

Measurement and regulation of oxygen content in selected gases using solid electrolyte cells. IV. Accurate preparation of CO2-CO and H2O-H2 mixtures

Mixtures of CO₂-CO, H₂O-H₂ and Ar-H₂O-H₂ of precise composition were prepared using a zirconia pump and analysed with a zirconia gauge. The ratio was varied from 5×10^–2 to 10⁴ and the ratio from 3×10^–4 to 10^–2. A Faraday's Law test proved to be a simple and reliable procedure for checking the conditions of utilization of these gaseous mixtures and for verifying that no significant disproportionation of CO or leakage along the gas circuit altered the prepared composition. From a practical point of view the best methods of preparing mixtures with low oxygen activity are reduction of carbon dioxide in the range 5×10^–11 to 10^–17 atm and oxidation of inert gas-H₂ in the range 10^–19 to 10^–27 atm at 800°C.     

Differentiation of Competitive vs. Non-competitive Mechanisms Mediating Disruption of Moth Sexual Communication by Point Sources of Sex Pheromone (Part 2): Case Studies

Eleven out of 13 disruption profiles (plots of dispenser density vs. male catch) from moth sex pheromone literature were consistent with a competitive-attraction mechanism, in which dispensers attract males and thereby divert them from females. Mean dispenser activity (D _a) across all competitive-attraction cases was 0.04 ± 0.06 (SD); values ranged from 0.0005 for a tiny laminated flake dispenser of racemic disparlure targeting gypsy moth to 0.2 for polyethylene tube dispensers used against lightbrown apple moth. A dispenser application activity () can be calculated by multiplying D _a by the number of such dispensers applied per hectare of crop. The highest dispenser application activity () values approached 200 and corresponded to >99% inhibition of catches of male moths in monitoring traps. Relative to the scale, % inhibition of catches of male moths compressed and obscured large differences in when % disruption exceeded 90%. For cases of competitive attraction, these two efficacy scales can be interconverted by using the formula: . When disruptive point sources of pheromone were directly observed, male moths were seen approaching pheromone dispensers whose disruption profiles matched competitive attraction. Two cases fit non-competitive disruption mechanisms, which include camouflage, desensitization (adaptation and/or habituation), and sensory imbalance. In these cases, pheromone was released at rates higher than for cases of disruption by competitive attraction. Practical ramifications of the finding that competitive attraction appears to be the prevalent mechanism for moth mating disruption by pheromone point sources are listed. We believe that the congruence of diverse sets of mating disruption field data with explicit a priori predictions validates competitive-attraction theory. The analytical tools and principles governing competitive attraction that were uncovered during this study of mating disruption of moths should be generally applicable to competitive-attraction phenomena.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(1,8-diethynylnaphthalene)

Summary The cyclopolymerization of 1,8-diethynylnaphthalene(DEN) and its copolymerization with diethyl dipropargylmalonate(DEDPM) were carried out by various transition metal catalysts. MoCl₅-based catalyst was found to be very effective and gave almost a quantitative polymer yield. The resulting dark-brown homopolymer(PDEN) was partially soluble in chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and dimethyl sulfoxide, whereas copolymer (1:1) with number avaerage molecular weight of 2.1x10⁴ by GPC showed good solubility in those solvents. The structure of the polymers was analysed by IR, NMR, and UV-VIS spectroscopies. From the spectral and solubility data, it is proposed that cyclized products with the conjugated system are formed. Room temperature conductivities of the I₂-doped homo and copolymer were found to be about 7.5x10^-3 and 5.1x10^-3 S/cm, respectively.     

Analysis of the kinetics for the H2 + - \frac{1}{2}O2 ⇌ H2O reaction on a hot Pt surface in the pressure range 0.10–10 Torr

The H₂ + O₂ ⇌ H₂O reaction on platinum at 700 and 1300 K has been studied. A stagnation flow geometry was used with a gas mixture of H₂ and O₂ at pressures between 0.10 and 10 Torr. Comparing SHG results with simulations using different reaction parameters, it was concluded that , and . LIF measurements showed an ambiguity in the choice of main water-producing channel. Both hydrogen addition with low sticking coefficients and hydroxyl disproportionation with high sticking coefficients are plausible. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Quantitative aspects of chain extension of telechelics

Summary Quantitative aspects of chain extension of telechelics have been studied. Molecular weight independent characteristic terms were defined and simple expressions were derived for number average extension, , and number average degree of extension, , as a function of number average functionality (¯F_n) of telechelic prepolymers. Analysis of these expressions indicate that _n and ¯DE_n are enormously sensitive to insignificant changes in ¯F_n close to ideal ¯F_n = 2.0. Molecular weight of the extended polymer (¯M_r) has also been calculated considering ¯F_n, number average molecular weight of the prepolymer (¯M_n), and molecular weight of the extender (M_e).