Gold-Catalyzed C−H Functionalization Polycondensation for the Synthesis of Aromatic Polymers
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2020
School
Polymer Science and Engineering
Abstract
Homogeneous gold (Au) complexes have demonstrated tremendous utility in modern organic chemistry; however, their application for the synthesis of polymers remains rare. Herein, we demonstrate the first catalytic application of Au complexes toward the polycondensation of alkyne-containing comonomers and heteroarene nucleophiles. Polymerization occurs through successive intermolecular hydroarylation reactions to produce high molecular weight aromatic copolymers with 1,1-disubstituted alkene backbone linkages. Clear correlations between the rate and degree of polymerization (DP) were established based on catalyst structure and counterion pairing, thus enabling polymerization reactions that proceeded with remarkable efficiency, high reactivity, and exceptional DPs. The reactivity is broad in scope, enabling the copolymerization of highly functionalized aromatic and aliphatic monomers. These results highlight the untapped utility of Au catalysis in providing access to new macromolecular constructs.
Publication Title
Angewandte Chemie - International Edition
Volume
59
Issue
49
First Page
21971
Last Page
21975
Recommended Citation
King, E.,
Tropp, J.,
Eedugurala, N.,
Gonce, L.,
Stanciu, S.,
Azoulay, J.
(2020). Gold-Catalyzed C−H Functionalization Polycondensation for the Synthesis of Aromatic Polymers. Angewandte Chemie - International Edition, 59(49), 21971-21975.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/19067