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Christopher W Bielawski

Publications and source records attributed to Christopher W Bielawski.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Quinone-annulated N-heterocyclic carbene-transition-metal complexes: observation of pi-backbonding using FT-IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.

A new N-heterocyclic carbene architecture comprising a 1,4-naphthoquinone annulated to 1,3-dimesitylimidazolylidene (NpQ-NHC) was synthesized in two high yielding steps from commercially available starting materials. The free NpQ-NHC was characterized (solution and solid-state) and was used to synthesize various Rh and Ag complexes that ranged in pi-electron density. Enabled by the quinone moiety, the pi-systems of these complexes were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. In contrast to previous reports, pi-backbonding was found to be non-negligible and was directly influenced by the metal's electronic character.

Electrochemistry↗

Bis(imidazolylidene)s as modular building blocks for monomeric and macromolecular organometallic materials.

The synthetic and structural progression surrounding N-heterocyclic carbenes has given rise to great functional and architectural diversity in organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and materials science. The development of new, modular scaffolds for bridging transition metals is essential in order to expand the boundaries of these scientific areas. This Frontier article summarizes recent advances in the synthesis and study of ditopic ligands displaying two linearly opposed carbene moieties and emphasizes their versatility in the preparation of new organometallic and macromolecular materials. The conclusion previews their utility in conjugated organic/inorganic hybrid materials with potential applications in the emerging fields of molecular- and nanoelectronics.

Journal Article↗

Highly efficient synthesis and solid-state characterization of 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(alkyl- and arylamino)benzenes and cyclization to their respective benzobis(imidazolium) salts.

[reaction: see text] New synthetic methodology to a variety of 1,2,4,5-tetraaminobenzenes and their corresponding benzobis(imidazolium) salts has been accomplished. Palladium-catalyzed coupling of various 1,2,4,5-tetrabromo- or 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzenes with aryl- or tert-alkylamines afforded the respective tetrakis(N-substituted)aminobenzenes in excellent yields. This enabled comparative solid-state structural analyses of this elusive class of electron-rich arenes with their oxidized derivatives. The tetraamines were found to undergo formylative cyclization to the corresponding benzobis(imidazolium) salts in good to excellent yields.

Benzene Derivatives↗

Dynamic covalent polymers based upon carbene dimerization.

Thermally-reversible covalent polymers featuring dynamic carbon-carbon double bonds and tunable molecular weights were prepared from difunctional carbenes; addition of transition metal complexes to these materials afforded the respective main-chain organometallic polymers.

Journal Article↗

A modular approach to main-chain organometallic polymers.

A highly efficient route to a new class of organometallic polymers containing difunctional N-heterocyclic carbenes has been developed. Bis(imidazolium) halides and divalent group X metals were copolymerized to afford organometallic polymers in up to quantitative yields and with molecular weights up to 10(6) Da, depending on the structure of the N-heterocyclic carbene and the incorporated transition metal. Enhanced solubilities were demonstrated through post-polymerization ligation with phosphines. Finally, selective end-group functionalization and excellent molecular weight control was achieved through the inclusion of monofunctional chain transfer agents during the polymerization.

Molecular Structure↗

Synthesis of cyclic polybutadiene via ring-opening metathesis polymerization: the importance of removing trace linear contaminants.

The synthesis of cyclic polybutadienes using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) was accomplished. A cyclic Ru alkylidene catalyst, where a terminal ligand was covalently linked to the Ru alkylidene, was used to polymerize either 1,5-cyclooctadiene (COD) or 1,5,9-trans-cis-trans-cyclododecatriene (CDT). Trace amounts of an acyclic impurity, 4-vinylcyclohexene, found in the COD led to samples which were contaminated with linear polymer. In contrast, CDT, which was free of the impurity, afforded pure cyclic polymer. These results provide a convenient method for discerning samples of pure cyclic polymer from those which contain trace to large amounts of linear polymer. Furthermore, they emphasize the need to use monomers that are free of acyclic impurities when preparing cyclic polymers using ROMP.

Journal Article↗

An "endless" route to cyclic polymers.

A new synthetic route to cyclic polymers has been developed in which the ends of growing polymer chains remain attached to a metal complex throughout the entire polymerization process. The approach eliminates the need for linear polymeric precursors and high dilution, drawbacks of traditional macrocyclization strategies, and it effectively removes the barrier to producing large quantities of pure cyclic material. Ultimately, the strategy offers facile access to a unique macromolecular scaffold that may be used to meet the increasing demand of new applications for commercial polymers. As a demonstration of its potential utility, cyclic polyethylenes were prepared and found to exhibit a variety of physical properties that were distinguishable from their linear analogs.

Journal Article↗