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Geoffrey W Coates

Publications and source records attributed to Geoffrey W Coates.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Gel permeation chromatography as a combinatorial screening method: identification of highly active heteroligated phenoxyimine polymerization catalysts.

A number of mixed-ligand bis(phenoxyimine) titanium catalysts were screened using a pooled combinatorial approach. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to analyze polypropylene mixtures, leading to the identification of highly active catalysts. Complexes with only one ortho-fluorinated ligand are significantly more active than homoligated complexes for the syndiospecific polymerization of propylene.

Journal Article↗

Catalytic carbonylation of beta-lactones to succinic anhydrides.

A well-defined, highly active and selective catalyst for the synthesis of succinic anhydrides from CO and beta-lactones is reported. At 200 psi of CO, the catalyst [(N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)phenylenediamino)Al(THF)2][Co(CO)4] carbonylates beta-propiolactones to succinic anhydrides in high yield. (R)-beta-Butyrolactone is carbonylated to (S)-methylsuccinic anhydride with clean inversion of stereochemistry, while cis-2,3-dimethyl-beta-propiolactone yields exclusively trans-2,3-dimethylsuccinic anhydride. These data are consistent with a mechanism involving nucleophilic attack by [Co(CO)4]- on the beta carbon of the lactone, followed by CO insertion and anhydride formation.

Journal Article↗

A readily synthesized and highly active epoxide carbonylation catalyst based on a chromium porphyrin framework: expanding the range of available beta-lactones.

[reaction: see text] Catalytic carbonylation of epoxides to beta-lactones was effected by a highly active and selective bimetallic catalyst comprised of a chromium(III) porphyrin cation and a cobalt tetracarbonyl anion. The complex is readily synthesized from commercially available compounds in high yield. Carbonylation of numerous linear epoxides, as well as bicyclic epoxides derived from 8- and 12-membered hydrocarbons, proceeded with high activity, selectivity, and yield.

Journal Article↗

Cross metathesis functionalization of polyolefins.

A cross metathesis strategy is reported for the post-polymerization functionalization of the pendant vinyl groups present in a range of polyolefin architectures. This represents a general strategy for the synthesis of tailored random and block copolymers as well as homopolymers.

Journal Article↗

Highly effective poly(ethylene glycol) architectures for specific inhibition of immune receptor activation.

Architectural features of synthetic ligands were systematically varied to optimize inhibition of mast cell degranulation initiated by multivalent crossing of IgE-receptor complexes. A series of ligands were generated by end-capping poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymers and amine-based dendrimers with the hapten 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP). These were used to explore the influence of polymeric backbone length, valency, and hapten presentation on binding to anti-DNP IgE and inhibition of stimulated activation of RBL cells. Monovalent MPEG(5000)-DNP (IC(50) = 50 nM), bivalent DNP-PEG(3350)-DNP (IC(50) = 8 nM), bismonovalent MPEG(5000)-DNP(2) (IC(50) = 20 nM), bisbivalent DNP(2)-PEG(3350)-DNP(2) (IC(50) = 3nM) and DNP(4)-dendrimer ligands (IC(50) = 50 nM) all effectively inhibit cellular activation caused by multivalent antigen, DNP-bovine serum albumin. For different DNP ligands, we provide evidence for more effective inhibition due to (i) preferential formation of intra-IgE cross-links by bivalent ligands of sufficient length, (ii) self-association of monovalent ligands with longer tails, and (iii) higher probability of binding for bisvalent ligands. We also show that larger DNP(16)-dendrimers of higher valency trigger degranulation by cross-linking IgE-receptor complexes, whereas smaller DNP-dendrimers are inhibitory. Thus, features of synthetic ligands can be manipulated to control receptor occupation, aggregation, and inhibition of the cellular response.

Amines↗

Mechanism of the alternating copolymerization of epoxides and CO2 using beta-diiminate zinc catalysts: evidence for a bimetallic epoxide enchainment.

A series of zinc beta-diiminate (BDI) complexes and their solid-state structures, solution dynamics, and copolymerization behavior with CO(2) and cyclohexene oxide (CHO) are reported. Stoichiometric reactions of the copolymerization initiation steps show that zinc alkoxide and bis(trimethylsilyl)amido complexes insert CO(2), whereas zinc acetates react with CHO. [(BDI-2)ZnOMe](2) [(BDI-2) = 2-((2,6-diethylphenyl)amido)-4-((2,6-diethylphenyl)imino)-2-pentene] and (BDI-1)ZnO(i)Pr [(BDI-1) = 2-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)amido)-4-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino)-2-pentene] react with CO(2) to form [(BDI-2)Zn(mu-OMe)(mu,eta(2)-O(2)COMe)Zn(BDI-2)] and [(BDI-1)Zn(mu,eta(2)-O(2)CO(i)Pr)](2), respectively. (BDI-2)ZnN(SiMe(3))(2) inserts CO(2) and eliminates trimethylsilyl isocyanate to give [(BDI-2)Zn(mu-OSiMe(3))](2). [(BDI-7)Zn(mu-OAc)](2) [(BDI-7) = 3-cyano-2-((2,6-diethylphenyl)amido)-4-((2,6-diethylphenyl)imino)-2-pentene] reacts with 1.0 equiv of CHO to yield [(BDI-7)Zn(mu,eta(2)-OAc)(mu,eta(1)-OCyOAc)Zn(BDI-7)]. Under typical polymerization conditions, rate studies on the copolymerization exhibit no dependence in [CO(2)], a first-order dependence in [CHO], and orders in [Zn](tot) ranging from 1.0 to 1.8 for [(BDI)ZnOAc] complexes. The copolymerizations of CHO (1.98 M in toluene) and 300 psi CO(2) at 50 degrees C using [(BDI-1)ZnOAc] and [(BDI-2)ZnOAc] show orders in [Zn](tot) of 1.73 +/- 0.06 and 1.02 +/- 0.03, respectively. We propose that two zinc complexes are involved in the transition state of the epoxide ring-opening event.

Journal Article↗

Single-site beta-diiminate zinc catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of beta-butyrolactone and beta-valerolactone to poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates).

Polymerization of beta-butyrolactone (BBL) and beta-valerolactone (BVL) using the zinc alkoxide initiator (BDI-1)ZnO(i)()Pr [(BDI-1) = 2-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)amido)-4-((2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino)-2-pentene] proceeds very rapidly under mild conditions to produce poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHV), respectively. For the monomer-to-initiator ratio 200:1, PHB number-average molecular weights (M(n)) are proportional to conversion throughout the reaction and polydispersity indices (PDIs) are narrow, consistent with a living polymerization. Higher monomer-to-initiator ratios can be used to achieve high molecular weight PHB (M(n) > 100 000). End-group analysis verifies that the polymerization of BBL follows a coordination-insertion mechanism, where complexes of the form (BDI-1)ZnOCH(Me)CH(2)CO(2)R are the active species. Variable temperature NMR experiments show that (BDI-1)ZnO(i)()Pr is monomeric in benzene-d(6) solution. In contrast, (BDI-2)ZnO(i)()Pr [(BDI-2) = 2-((2,6-diethylphenyl)amido)-4-((2,6-diethylphenyl)imino)-2-pentene] is a poor initiator at room temperature because it prefers to form a bis-mu-isopropoxide dimer in solution. According to kinetic studies, propagation by (BDI-1)ZnO(i)()Pr is first order in both monomer as well as (BDI-1)ZnO(i)()Pr concentration. These results lead us to propose a monometallic active species. Several results suggest that elimination side reactions are slowly catalyzed by zinc alkoxides, leading to degradation of the polymer.

4-Butyrolactone↗

High-activity, single-site catalysts for the alternating copolymerization of CO2 and propylene oxide.

Despite recent advances regarding catalysts for CO2/epoxide copolymerization, the development of high-activity catalysts for alternating polymerization of CO2 and commodity epoxides, such as propylene oxide, remains a challenge. A new class of unsymmetrically substituted beta-diiminate zinc complexes is reported that exhibits unprecedented activity for CO2/propylene oxide copolymerization. The polymers formed are of high molecular weight (Mn approximately 35 kg/mol) and have narrow polydispersities (PDI approximately 1.1), consistent with a living polymerization.

Journal Article↗

Insertion/isomerization polymerization of 1,5-hexadiene: synthesis of functional propylene copolymers and block copolymers.

Polymerization of 1,5-hexadiene with a bis(phenoxyimine) titanium catalyst system is reported. The microstructure of the polymer contains the expected methylene-1,3-cyclopentane units as well as the unexpected 3-vinyl tetramethylene units. A mechanism for formation of this polymer is proposed. This unusual reaction is also employed in the synthesis of vinyl-functional polypropylene copolymers and block copolymers with low polydispersity indices.

Journal Article↗

Catalysts for the living insertion polymerization of alkenes: access to new polyolefin architectures using Ziegler-Natta chemistry.

Coordination-insertion polymerization systems have long been superior to their anionic, cationic, and radical polymerization counterparts with regard to stereochemical control. However, until five years ago, these metal-based insertion methods were inferior to ionic and radical mechanisms in the category of living polymerization, which is simply a polymerization that occurs with rapid initiation and negligible chain termination or transfer. In the last half decade, the living insertion polymerization of unactivated olefins has emerged as a powerful tool for the synthesis of new polymer architectures. Materials available today by this route range from simple homopolymers such as linear and branched polyethylene, to atactic or tactic poly(alpha-olefins), to end-functionalized polymers and block copolymers. This review article summarizes recent developments in this rapidly growing research area at the interface of synthetic and mechanistic organometallic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and materials science. While special emphasis is placed on polymer properties and novel polymeric architectures, most of which were inaccessible just a decade ago, important achievements with respect to ligand and catalyst design are also highlighted.

Journal Article↗

Mechanism of propylene insertion using bis(phenoxyimine)-based titanium catalysts: an unusual secondary insertion of propylene in a group IV catalyst system.

A highly regioselective secondary enchainment of propylene in a group IV catalyst system is reported. End-group analysis of polypropylene formed using the phenoxyimine-based titanium catalysts revealed a reversal in the regioselectivity of insertion for this class of catalysts. To the best of our knowledge, bis(phenoxyimine)-based titanium complexes are the only known group IV catalysts that insert propylene with exclusive 2,1-regiochemistry. Insertion of propylene into the initiating titanium hydride occurs with high 1,2-regiochemistry. Subsequent insertions into primary titanium alkyls are regiorandom, while insertions into secondary titanium alkyls proceed with high 2,1-regioselectivity. Cyclopolymerization and ethylene/propylene copolymerization strategies are employed to support this proposal.

Alkenes↗

Stereochemistry of lactide polymerization with chiral catalysts: new opportunities for stereocontrol using polymer exchange mechanisms.

The synthesis of chiral aluminum and yttrium alkoxides and their application for lactide polymerization are reported. The complexes (SalBinap)MOR [4, M = Al, R = (i)Pr; 5, M = Y, R = (CH(2))(2)NMe(2)] are synthesized by reacting the ligand (SalBinap)H(2) [2,2'-[(1,1'-binaphthalene)-2,2'-diylbis(nitrilomethylidyne)]bisphenol] with the appropriate metal trisalkoxide. While enantiomerically pure yttrium complex 5 did not effect stereocontrol in the polymerization of either meso- or rac-lactide, homochiral 4 was found to exhibit excellent stereocontrol in a range of lactide polymerizations. Enantiomerically pure 4 polymerizes meso-lactide to syndiotactic poly(lactic acid) (PLA), while rac-4 polymerizes meso- and rac-lactide to heterotactic and isotactic stereoblock PLA, respectively. On the basis of the absolute stereochemistry of ring-opening of meso-lactide using (R)-4, a polymer exchange mechanism is proposed to account for the PLA microstructures resulting from rac-4.

Aluminum↗

Synthesis of beta-lactones: a highly active and selective catalyst for epoxide carbonylation.

A new highly active and selective catalyst for the synthesis of beta-lactones from CO and epoxides is reported. The catalyst, [(N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene) phenylenediamino)Al(THF)2][Co(CO)4] ([(salph)Al(THF)2][Co(CO)4]) is easily prepared from the corresponding (salph)AlCl and NaCo(CO)4. At 50 degrees C and 880 psi of CO, the catalyst (1 mol %) carbonylates epoxides such as propylene oxide, 1-butene oxide, epichlorohydrin, and isobutylene oxide to the lactones beta-butyrolactone, beta-valerolactone, gamma-chloro-beta-butyrolactone, and beta-methyl-beta-butyrolactone in high yield. (R)-Propylene oxide was carbonylated to (R)-beta-butyrolactone with retention of stereochemistry.

Catalysis↗

Enzymatic surface-initiated polymerization: a novel approach for the in situ solid-phase synthesis of biocompatible polymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate).

A novel system for surface-initiated enzymatic polymerization of a film of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) on solid surfaces has been developed and characterized. PHAs are aliphatic polyesters produced by a variety of microorganisms as a reserve of carbon and energy, and their properties range from elastomers to thermoplastics, depending on their monomeric composition. The PHA synthase from Ralstonia eutropha H16 was expressed as a poly-histidine fusion in Escherichia coli and immobilized onto several solid substrates through a transition-metal complex, Ni(2+)-nitrilotriacetic acid. The immobilized PHA synthase catalyzed the surface-initiated polymerization of 3-(R)-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, forming a polymer film with a uniform thickness on the surface. In this work, we describe the patterned immobilization of the intact enzyme on silicon and subsequent enzymatic polymerization. The immobilized enzyme had a lower specific activity and did not exhibit a lag phase as compared to the soluble enzyme.

Acyltransferases↗