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Published on: June 21, 2017
Exploring Acrylic Acid as an Oxirane Nucleophile: Direct Access to Poly(β-Hydroxy Acrylates)
Céline Montanari1,2, Lukas Marcos Celada1,3, Wenhao Zhang1,3
1Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56, 10044, Stockholm, Sweden.
This study presents a scalable method for synthesizing novel monomers using acrylic acid (AA) and oxiranes. The resulting polymers exhibit diverse properties, offering potential for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
- Materials Science
Background:
- Scalability, purification, and precursor sourcing are key in polymer synthesis.
- Developing versatile monomers is crucial for diverse polymer applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ring-opening of oxiranes with acrylic acid (AA) for synthesizing beta-hydroxy acrylates.
- To demonstrate a scalable, atom-economic, and high-yield synthetic route.
Main Methods:
- Reaction of various oxiranes with acrylic acid.
- Purification of the resulting beta-hydroxy acrylates.
- Polymerization and characterization of the synthesized monomers.
Main Results:
- Achieved high isolated yields (68%-87%) for beta-hydroxy acrylates.
- Demonstrated scalability and atom-economy of the synthetic method.
- Synthesized polymers with a wide range of mechanical properties (modulus 0.3–630 MPa, strength 0.3–19 MPa, elongation 3%–170%).
- All polymers showed thermal stability above 250°C and high transparency.
Conclusions:
- Acrylic acid is a versatile nucleophile for direct monomer synthesis.
- The developed method provides access to monomers for diverse polymer applications.
- The synthesized polymers possess desirable thermal and mechanical properties.
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