Push–pull bithiophene azo-chromophores bearing thiazole and benzothiazole acceptor moieties: Synthesis and evaluation of their redox and nonlinear optical properties

Three series of bithiophene azo dyes functionalized with thiazol-2-yl or benzothiazol-2-yl-diazene acceptor moieties were synthesized through azo coupling reaction using 2,2′-bithiophene, 5-alkoxy-2,2′-bithiophenes, 5-N,N-dialkylamino-2,2′-bithiophenes and thiazolyl- and benzothiazolyl diazonium salts as coupling components. The 5-alkoxy-2,2′-bithiophene precursors yielded the 5-thiazolylazo-5′-alkoxy-2,2′-bithiophenes, while the azo coupling reaction of 5-N,N-dialkylamino-2,2′-bithiophenes with the thiazolyl diazonium salt gave 4-thiazolyl-azo-5-N,N-dialkylamino-2,2′-bithiophenes. A different reactivity behavior was observed for 2,2-bithiophene with thiazolyl diazonium salts which gave rise to the expected azo dyes together with several arylation products. The redox behavior, thermal stability, and the first hyperpolarizability of the novel chromophores were evaluated through cyclic voltammetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) respectively. By varying the position of the thiazolyldiazene acceptor group on the bithiophene system, the electrochemical behavior as well as the optical (linear and nonlinear) properties of the donor–acceptor π-conjugated systems can readily be tuned. Push–pull 5-thiazolylazo-5′-alkoxy-2,2′-bithiophenes exhibit the most promising redox and the solvatochromic properties and second-order nonlinear optical response. The redox and the optical properties also show notable variations for the different heterocyclic spacers and were also sensitive to the electronic acceptor strength of the (benzo)thiazolyldiazene moieties.     

The synthesis and characterization of heterocyclic azo dyes derived from 5-N,N-dialkylamino-2,2′-bithiophene couplers

Heterocyclic azo dyes were synthesized by diazotation of several substituted anilines and coupling with 5-N,N-dialkylamino-2,2′-bithiophenes to give 4-phenylazo-5-N,N-dialkylamino-2,2′-bithiophenes. This reaction contrasts with the behavior of 5-alkoxy-2,2′-bithiophenes towards aryldiazonium salts which provides 5-phenylazo-5-alkoxy-2,2′-bithiophenes. The thermal stability of the derivatives was evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis and their solvatochromic behaviour was investigated in several solvents of different polarity. The experimental results indicate that the heterocyclic azo dyes could be used as thermally stable, solvatochromic probes.     

Studies on the synthesis of a methacrylate-based dental restorative resin

The synthesis of bisphenol A–glycidyl methacrylate (BIS–GMA), the resin component in most dental composite restorative materials, catalyzed by different tertiary amine accelerators such as N,N′-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT), N,N′-dimethylamino phenethyl alcohol (DMAPEA), and N,N′-dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) is reported in this work. The effect of varying concentrations of accelerators and the reaction conditions of the synthesis as a function of time is studied in detail. The kinetics of the reaction between epoxide and carboxyl group during the formation of BIS–GMA is monitored using infrared (IR) and chemical techniques. The reaction is found to follow first-order and zero-order kinetics with respect to epoxide and acid, respectively. The degree of epoxide and acid conversion has been calculated as a function of time. The percentages of various isomers, formed under different reaction conditions have been reported. Characterization procedures for BIS–GMA have been developed.     

Thermal decomposition of some azo initiators. Influence of chemical structure

In view of applying 2,2'-azobis(2-cyanopropanol) (ACP) to the synthesis of macro azo initiators it is necessary to study its thermal behaviour and to compare it with two other azo compounds, i.e. 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) and 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) (ACPA). Other azo initiators obtained from the reaction of ACP with a monoisocyanate, i. e. p-tolyl isocyanate, or with a diisocyanate, i. e. pure 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) or MDI pre-reacted with α,ω-dihydroxypoly(ε-caprolactone) (M_n = 1 000 g mol^–1), were also studied. Thermal decomposition in bulk and in solution was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and ultra violet spectroscopy. DSC and TGA measurements show that the temperature range of decomposition of different azo initiators and their derivatives is not the same. The kinetic and thermal parameters of ACP in bulk were found to be different from that found for AIBN, ACPA and azo or macro azo initiators based on ACP, while similar decomposition activation energy values were obtained for ACP, AIBN and ACPA in solution.     

An NMR study of the dissociation of N,N′-(2-propyloximino)-4,4′-methylenebis(phenylcarbamate) and its crosslinking of polymers containing labile hydrogens. II

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been used to study the dissociation and reaction of N,N′-(2-propyloximino)-4,4′-methylenebis(phenylcarbamate), as a crosslinking agent for polymers containing labile hydrogens. The crosslinking of poly(acrylic acid), polyacrylamide, and poly(vinyl alcohol) was found to result upon heating each to 150°C for 10 min with this component at 2–10 wt %.     

Preparation of monodisperse hydrophilic polymer microspheres with N,N′‐methylenediacrylamide as crosslinker by distillation precipitation polymerization

Highly crosslinked cauliflower‐like poly(N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide) particles were prepared by distillation precipitation polymerization in neat acetonitrile with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. Monodisperse hydrophilic polymer microspheres with various functional groups, such as amide, pyrrolidone and carboxylic acid, with a spherical shape and smooth surface in the size range 120–600 nm were prepared by distillation precipitation copolymerizations of functional comonomers including N‐isopropylacrylamide, N‐vinylpyrrolidone, methacrylic acid with N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinker. The polymer particles were formed and precipitated out from the reaction medium during the distillation of the solvent from the reaction system through an entropic precipitation manner. The effects of the solvent and the degree of crosslinking on the morphology and the loading capacity of the functional groups of the resultant polymer particles were investigated. The resulting polymer particles were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and characterization of epoxy-chain end(s) functional macromonomer of polystyrene and its use in photoinitiated cationic polymerization

A novel epoxy chain-end(s) functional polystyrene macromonomer (PSt-CHO) was prepared via free radical polymerization (FRP) of styrene (St) initiated by 4,4′-azobis(3-cyclohexenylmethyl-4-cyanopentanoate) (ACCP) azo initiator and epoxidation on workup with 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid under inert atmosphere in methylene chloride at 0 °C. 4,4′-Azobis(4-cyanopentanoyl chloride) (ACPC) was obtained by the reaction of 4,4′-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) (ACPA) with phosphorus pentachloride in methylene chloride. The ACCP was synthesized by the condensation reaction of 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol with ACPC. The FRP of styrene with ACCP has yielded polystyrene with cyclohexene end(s) group (PSt-CH). Epoxidation of the PSt-CH was performed using 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid to obtain epoxy chain-end(s) functional polystyrene macromonomer (PSt-CHO). This macromonomer was used as precursor in photoinitiated cationic polymerization for obtaining brush-type and graft copolymers. Photoinitiated cationic homopolymerization of the macromonomer in the presence of diphenyliodonium salt at λ = 300 nm yielded brush-type polymers. Photoinitiated cationic copolymerization of the macromonomer with cyclohexene oxide (CHO) monomer and diphenyliodonium salt at λ = 350 nm produced graft copolymers. The polymers synthesized were characterized by means of FTIR, ¹HNMR and gel permeation chromatography measurements. All the spectroscopic studies revealed that a macromonomer of polystyrene with cyclohexene oxide (CHO) functionality at the chain end(s) (PSt-CHO) and their brush-type and graft copolymers were obtained.     

Synthesis,spectral properties and application of novel disazo disperse dyes derived from polyester waste

Terephthalic dihydrazide was obtained through aminolytic depolymerisation of polyester bottle waste by using hydrazine hydrate. It was further reacted with 4‐aminobenzoic acid in the presence of polyphosphoric acid to obtain a cyclic compound, 4,4′‐[5,5′‐(1,4)‐phenylene)bis(1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐5,2‐diyl)dianiline, having a heterocyclic moiety. Diazotisation of this compound followed by coupling with various N,N‐disubstituted anilines afford a series of novel disazo disperse dyes. The structures of these synthesised dyes were confirmed by elemental analysis and Fourier Transform–infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. Ultraviolet–visible spectra of these azo dyes in different polar solvents showed considerable variation in the wavelength of maximum absorbance (λ_max). Application of these dyes on polyester and nylon fabrics using high‐temperature dyeing methods gave brilliant yellowish red hues with fair to moderate light fastness and very good to excellent wash fastness and sublimation fastness.     

Atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene initiated by bromoacetylated syndiotactic polystyrene macroinitiator

Atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene was conducted with bromoacetylated syndiotactic polystyrene as macroinitiator and copper bromide combined with N,N,N′,N′,N′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as catalyst. A two‐stage process has been developed to synthesize the macroinitiator. First, syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) was functionalized in the side phenyl rings with acetyl groups using the Friedel–Crafts reaction; second, the acetyl groups were converted to bromoacetyl groups by an acid‐catalyzed halogenation reaction. The initiator was found to be active in the polymerization of styrene, leading to the production of graft chains with well‐defined structure. The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the graft chains were determined using gel permeation chromatography after cleaving from the sPS backbone using peroxide acid oxidation followed by hydrazine‐catalyzed hydrolysis. The results indicated that the polymerization process was characteristic of a ‘living’ nature. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Monomers for Adhesive Polymers, 3. Synthesis,Radical Polymerization and Adhesive Properties of Hydrolytically Stable Phosphonic Acid Monomers

2‐(Dihydroxyphosphoryl)ethyloxy‐α‐methyl‐substituted methacrylic acids were synthesized by hydrolyzing ethyl 2‐[4‐(dihydroxyphosphoryl)‐2‐oxa‐butyl]‐acrylate. Methacrylonitrilo‐ or N,N‐diethylmethacrylamido‐phosphonic acids were obtained by ether formation of α‐chloromethacrylonitrile with hydroxyalkyl phosphonates or aminolysis of 2‐[4‐(dimethoxyphosphoryl)‐2‐oxa‐butyl]acrylic acid and subsequent hydrolysis to produce the corresponding phosphonic acid. The structure of the new monomers was characterized by IR and by ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The monomers dissolve well in water and are hydrolytically stable. They demonstrate a different behavior during radical polymerization in water with 2,2′‐azo(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AMPAHC). This behavior may be attributed to the different reactivity of the starting radicals. Furthermore, adhesive properties of the phosphonic acid monomers were measured.     

Block copolymers obtained by free radical mechanism III. Synthesis in emulsion

Block copolymers were synthesized by a sequential free radical polymerization method with the use of di-t-butyl-4,4′-azobis(4-cyanoperoxyvalerate) as the trifunctional initiator. The polymerizations were carried out in two stages. First, the poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(butyl methacrylate) polymeric initiators were synthesized by activating, at room temperature, the perester groups of the initiator with tetraethylenepentamine. For the second stage, the reaction ingredients were pre-emulsified, then the azo groups of these polymeric initiators were activated thermally in the presence of either styrene or p-methylstyrene. It was found that the reaction in the emulsion particles followed bulk kinetics, although the average size of the particles was small, 50–100 nm.     

Synthesis,characterization and rheological properties of three different microstructures of water-soluble polymers prepared by solution polymerization

Three different structures were synthesized via solution free radical polymerization. Polyacrylamides hydrophobically modified with small amounts of two different N′N-dialkylacrylamides [N,N-dihexylacrylamide (DHAM) and N,N-dioctylacrylamide (DOAM)] and two different N-alkylacrylamides [N-dodecylacrylamide (DAM) and N-hexadecylacrylamide (HDAM)] have been synthesized using two linear hydrophobic initiators with 12 (ACVA₁₂) and 16 (ACVA₁₆) carbon atoms and two di-substituted hydrophobic initiator with two chains of 6 (ACVA_di6) and 8 (ACVA_di8) carbon atoms derived from 4′4-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) (ACVA). The polymers obtained were telechelic, multisticker and combined. The initiators, monomers and polymers synthesized were characterized by ¹H NMR and light scattering (LS). The rheological properties of these three different associative polymers were investigated using steady-state experiments. The effect of location and structure (linear or di-substituted) of the hydrophobic groups upon the viscosity of the polymer in solution was studied.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed N‐Arylation of N,N‐Dialkylhydrazines with Aryl Chlorides

N,N‐Dialkyl‐N′‐arylhydrazines have been prepared usually in high to excellent yields via the reaction of N,N‐dialkylhydrazines with aryl chlorides in the presence of Pd₂(dba)₃, Xphos and NaO‐t‐Bu in dioxane at 120 °C. With ortho‐substituted aryl chlorides best results have been obtained by using 2‐(2′,6′‐dimethoxybiphenyl)dicyclohexylphosphine (ligand d) as the ligand.     

The preparation,characterization, and cure reactions of new bisbenzocyclobutene‐terminated aromatic imides

Several new bisbenzocyclobutene‐terminated aromatic imides, 2,2′‐bis(N‐4‐benzocyclobutenyl) phthalimide, 2,2′‐bis[4‐(N‐4‐benzocyclobutenylphthalimide)]‐ether, 2,2′‐bis[4‐(N‐4‐benzocyclobutenylphthalimide)]‐ketone, and 2,2′‐bis[4‐(N‐4‐benzo cyclobutenylphthalimid‐4‐oxy) phenyl]‐propane, have been synthesized in high yields and characterized by FTIR, MS, EA, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The polymers cured from benzocyclobutene‐terminated imides have high glass transition temperature and good thermal stabilities. The cure reaction of an imide was studied by FTIR‐ATR (attenuated total reflection) and DSC techniques. Apparent kinetic parameters of the cure reaction are obtained. The apparent cure reaction order, activation energy, and pre‐exponential factor determined by isothermal DSC method are 1, 143.4 kJ/mol, and 3.88× 10¹³ min^?1, and by nonisothermal DSC methods 1, 139.4 kJ/mol, and 2.27× 10¹³ min^?1, respectively. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1705–1719, 2006     

Grafting of N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide onto cellulose using Co(III)‐acetylacetonate complex in aqueous medium

The grafting of N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (N,N′‐MBA) onto cellulose is carried out using the cobaltacetylacetonate complex (Co(acac)₃) under nitrogen atmosphere at 40°C. The rate of graft copolymerization has been studied as a function of [N,N′‐MBA], [Co(acac)₃], and temperature. The activation energy of grafting is found to be 156.0 k J mol⁻¹ within the temperature range of 30–60°C. The effect of perchloric acid, methanol, and surfactants on graft yield has also been studied and results are suitably explained. The higher efficiency of the metal chelate in initiation of graft copolymerization has been assumed due to the coordination of the π electrons of the N,N′‐MBA with the metal chelate, which facilitated the formation of the radicals through homolytic cleavage of metal–oxygen bond of the cobalt acetylacetonate complex. On the basis of the results, a suitable kinetic scheme for graft copolymerization is presented and rate expression is derived. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 906–912, 2000     

Surface grafting of polymers onto aramid powder: graft polymerization of vinyl monomers initiated by azo groups introduced onto the surface of aramid powder

The radical graft polymerization of vinyl monomers onto the surface of aramid powder, i.e., poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) powder, initiated by azo groups introduced onto the surface was investigated. The introduction of azo groups onto the aramid surface was achieved by the reaction of surface acyl chloride groups, which were introduced by the treatment of aramid powder with adipoyl dichloride, with 2,2′-azobis[2-(2-imidazolyn-2-yl)propane] in the presence of pyridine: the amount of azo groups thus introduced onto the surface was determined to be 0.57 mmol/g by elemental analysis. It was found that the polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene were successfully initiated by the azo groups on the surface and that the corresponding polymers were grafted onto the surface. The percentage of surface grafting of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) increased up to 37.6 and 26.5%, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis of polymer surface-grafted aramid powder confirmed that the grafting of polymers is limited on the surface. The polymerization rate was found to bear a first-order dependence on the concentration of aramid powder having azo groups. This suggests that in graft polymerization, unimolecular termination preferentially proceeds.     

Synthesis and characterization of new optically active poly(amide‐imide‐urethane) thermoplastic elastomers,derived from 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)‐N,N′‐bis(phthaloyl‐L‐leucine‐p‐aminobenzoic acid) and PEG‐MDI

A new class of optically active poly(amide‐imide‐urethane) was synthesized via two‐step reactions. In the first step, 4,4′‐methylene‐bis(4‐phenylisocyanate) (MDI) reacts with several poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) such as PEG‐400, PEG‐600, PEG‐2000, PEG‐4000, and PEG‐6000 to produce the soft segment parts. On the other hand, 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)‐N,N′‐bis(phthaloyl‐L ‐leucine‐p‐amidobenzoic acid) (2) was prepared from the reaction of 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)‐N,N′‐bis(phthaloyl‐L ‐leucine) diacid chloride with p‐aminobenzoic acid to produce hard segment part. The chain extension of the above soft segment with the amide‐imide 2 is the second step to give a homologue series of poly(amide‐imide‐urethanes). The resulting polymers with moderate inherent viscosity of 0.29–1.38 dL/g are optically active and thermally stable. All of the above polymers were fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and specific rotation. Some structural characterization and physical properties of this new optically active poly(amide‐imide‐urethanes) are reported. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 2288–2294, 2004     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel oligosiloxane containing alternative ladderlike structure via charge‐transfer interaction

A novel oligosiloxane containing alternative ladderlike structure involving viologen groups has been prepared via donor–acceptor interaction‐assisted template polymerization. The monomer used as the electron‐donor component, N,N ′‐bis(3‐methyldimethoxyl‐silylpropyl)‐4,4′‐bipyridinium dihexafluorophosphate and its precursor, N,N ′‐bis(3‐methyldimethoxyl‐silylpropyl)‐4,4′‐bipyridinium dibromide were first synthesized successfully in high yield. This oligosiloxane, which displays interesting electrochromic properties, has been characterized by FTIR, UV–vis, ¹H NMR, ²⁹Si NMR, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and vapour pressure osmometry (VPO). © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and characterization of novel optically active poly(amide–imide)s containing N,N′‐(pyromellitoyl)‐bis‐L‐valine diacid chloride and 5,5‐disubstituted hydantoin derivatives under microwave irradiation

Pyromellitic dianhydride (1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic acid 1,2,4,5‐dianhydide) was reacted with L ‐valine in a mixture of acetic acid and pyridine (3:2) at room temperature, and then was refluxed at 90–100 °C, N,N′‐(pyromellitoyl)‐bis‐L ‐valine diacid was obtained in quantitative yield. The imide–acid was converted to N,N′‐(pyromellitoyl)‐bis‐L ‐valine diacid chloride by reaction with thionyl chloride. Rapid and highly efficient synthesis of a number of poly(amide–imide)s was achieved under microwave irradiation using a domestic microwave oven by polycondensation of N,N′‐(pyromellitoyl)‐bis‐L ‐valine diacid chloride with six different derivatives of 5,5‐disubstituted hydantoin compounds in the presence of a small amount of a polar organic medium that acts as a primary microwave absorber. A suitable organic medium was o‐cresol. The polycondensation proceeded rapidly, compared with conventional melt polycondensation and solution polycondensation and was almost completed within 8 min, giving a series of poly(amide–imide)s with inherent viscosities in the range 0.15–0.36 dl g^?1. The resulting poly(amide–imide)s were obtained in high yield and are optically active and thermally stable. All of the above compounds were fully characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, inherent viscosity (η_inh) measurements, solubility testing and specific rotation measurements. The thermal properties of the poly(amide–imide)s were investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Gamma radiation induced graft copolymerization of acrylamide onto poly(vinyl chloride) films

Grafting of acrylamide (AAm) onto poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films using gamma radiation has been carried out. The effects of different parameters on the graft yield have been investigated. These parameters include radiation dose, monomer concentration, solvent composition, types of inhibitors and acidity of the medium. In addition, the effects of the multifunctional monomers N,N′-methylene allyl amide (MAAm) and 2,4,6-triallyloxy-1,3,5 triazine (TARA) on the graft yield have been investigated. It has been found that methanol/water mixture in the ratio (1:1) is the proper diluent mixture for enhancing the graft copolymerization process. The presence of sulphuric acid in the reaction medium adversely affects the graft yield more than acetic acid. The presence of MAAm in the reaction medium markedly increases the graft yield, while TARA has practically no effect on the grafting process. Grafted films have been characterized and evidence of grafting has been obtained using thermal and spectroscopic analysis together with swelling measurements in water. © 1998 SCI.