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Polymer Valence Isomerism: Poly(Dewar- o-xylylene)s
1Department of Chemistry , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|April 10, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to synthesize poly( o-xylylene) (POX) using a unique intermediate polymer, poly(Dewar- o-xylylene) (PDOX). This novel approach offers a pathway to high molecular weight POX and reconfigurable materials.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
- Materials Science
Background:
- Poly( o-xylylene) (POX) synthesis is challenging due to its structure.
- Traditional methods for POX production are often inefficient.
- POX possesses potentially valuable physical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel synthetic strategy for high molecular weight poly( o-xylylene).
- To explore the formation and properties of an intermediate polymer, poly(Dewar- o-xylylene).
- To investigate the isomerization of poly(Dewar- o-xylylene) to poly( o-xylylene).
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a valence isomer strategy with a strained monomer, Dewar- o-xylylene (DOX).
- Employing free radical polymerization to synthesize poly(Dewar- o-xylylene) (PDOX).
- Investigating thermal and photoinduced isomerization of PDOX to POX.
Main Results:
- High molecular weight poly( o-xylylene) was successfully synthesized via PDOX.
- PDOX was formed with a high density of Dewar benzene units in its backbone.
- Efficient thermal and photoinduced transformations of PDOX to POX were demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- A novel valence isomer strategy enables the synthesis of challenging poly( o-xylylene) polymers.
- The intermediate poly(Dewar- o-xylylene) facilitates efficient POX production.
- This method provides access to reconfigurable materials with tunable properties.
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