Work

Visible Light Photocatalytic Thiol–Ene Reaction: An Elegant Approach for Fast Polymer Postfunctionalization and Step-Growth Polymerization

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: An elegant approach for fast polymer postfunctionalization and step-growth polymerization (via addition reaction) under aerobic condition was developed from visible light photocatalytic thiol–ene “click” reaction, employing Ru(bpy)3Cl2 as photoredox catalyst and p-toluidine as redox mediator. The nature of the photoredox catalysts, thiol substrates, and solvents were extensively investigated for this reaction with two types of alkene polymers: polybutadiene and poly(allyl methacrylate)s. The use of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone as the solvent and p-toluidine as redox mediator remarkably improved the reaction rates and limited the formation of side products. Finally, this highly efficient thiol–ene reaction was employed for the synthesis of polymers by step-growth addition polymerization.

Source: Macromolecules

DOI: 10.1021/ma502460t

Authors: Jiangtao Xu, Cyrille Boyer

Institution: UNSW Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Polymer Synthesis and Characterization

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: University of New South Wales, Australian Research Council