Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers

Summary

Here, we describe protocols for the preparation of trans-cyclobutane fused cyclooctenes (tCBCO), their polymerization to prepare depolymerizable olefinic polymers, and the depolymerization of these polymers under mild conditions. Additionally, protocols for the preparation of depolymerizable networks and compression molding of rigid linear plastics based on this system are described.

Abstract

The growing consumption of synthetic polymers and the accumulation of polymer waste have led to a pressing need for new routes to sustainable materials. Achieving a closed-loop polymer economy via chemical recycling to monomer (CRM) is one such promising route. Our group recently reported a new CRM system based on polymers prepared by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of trans-cyclobutane fused cyclooctene (tCBCO) monomers. This system offers several key advantages, including the ease of polymerization at ambient temperatures, quantitative depolymerization to monomers under mild conditions, and a broad range of functionalities and thermomechanical properties. Here, we outline detailed protocols for the preparation of tCBCO-based monomers and their corresponding polymers, including the preparation of elastic polymer networks and compression molding of linear thermoplastic polymers. We also outline the preparation of high ring strain E-alkene tCBCO monomers and their living polymerization. Finally, the procedures for the depolymerization of linear polymers and polymer networks are also demonstrated.

Introduction

The versatile and robust nature of synthetic polymers has made them a ubiquitous fixture of modern human existence. On the flip side, the same robust and environmentally resistant properties make polymer waste exceedingly persistent. This, together with the fact that a large fraction of all synthetic polymers ever made has ended up in landfills¹, has raised legitimate concerns about their environmental effects². Additionally, the open-loop nature of the traditional polymer economy has caused a steady consumption of petrochemical resources and a mounting carbon footprint³. Promising routes to a clo....

Protocol

NOTE: The protocols outlined below are detailed forms of experimental procedures reported previously^15,18,19. Characterization of the small molecules and polymers has been reported previously^15,18. Additionally, syntheses of monomers and polymers and depolymerization of polymers should be performed inside a fume hood with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat.

1. tCBCO monomer preparation

Results

Discussed here are representative results previously published^15,18,19. Figure 5 shows the GPC traces for polymer P1 prepared by conventional ROMP with G2 (red curve)¹⁵ and living ROMP of EM1 with G1/PPh₃ (black)¹⁸

Discussion

The tCBCO monomers can be prepared from a common precursor: the [2+2] photocycloadduct of maleic anhydride and 1,5-cyclooctadiene, anhydride 1. Since the crude anhydride 1 is difficult to purify but can be hydrolyzed readily, the crude photoreaction mixture is subjected to methanolysis conditions to yield the readily isolable methyl ester-acid 2. The recrystallization of 2 after column chromatography is key to obtaining the pure trans-c.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
1 and 3 dram vials	VWR	66011-041, 66011-100
1,4-butanediol	Sigma-Aldrich	240559-100G
1,5-cyclooctadiene	ACROS	AC297120010
1-butanol	Fisher	A399-1
20 mL scintillation vials	VWR	66022-081
Acetic Anhydride	Alfa-Aesar	AAL042950B
Acetone	Fisher	A18-20
Aluminum backed TLC plates	Silicycle	TLA-R10011B-323
Ammonium hydroxide	Fisher	A669-212
Aniline	TCI	A0463500G
BD precisionglide (18 G)	Fisher
Chloroform	Fisher	C298-4
Column for circulation (to be packed with silver nitrate treated silica gel)			Approximately 1 cm radius and 25 cm long, with inner thread on either end
d-Chloroform	Cambridge Isotopes	DLM-7-100
Dichloromethane	VWR	BDH1113-19L
EDC.HCl; 3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1-ethyl-carbodiimide hydrochloride	Chemimpex	00050
Ethyl Acetate	Fisher	E145-20
Ethyl Vinyl Ether	Sigma-Aldrich	422177-250ML
Glass chromatography columns	Fabricated in-house	D = 20 mm, L= 450 mm and D = 40 mm, L = 450 mm	The columns are fitted with a teflon stopcock at one end and a 24/40 ground glass joint to accommodate a solvent reservoir if needed.
Grubbs Catalyst 1st Generation (M102)	Sigma-Aldrich	579726-1G
Grubbs Catalyst 2nd Generation (M204)	Sigma-Aldrich	569747-100MG
Hexanes	Fisher	H292-20
Hydraulic press	Carver Instruments	#3912	Coupled with temperature control modules (see below)
Hydrochloric acid	Fisher	AA87617K4
Maleic Anhydride	ACROS	AC125240010
Methanol	Fisher	A412-20
Micro essential Hydrion pH paper (1-13 pH)	Fisher	14-850-120
Normject Luer Lock syringes (1, 3 and 10 mL)	VWR	89174-491, 53547-014 and 53547-010
Photoreactor chamber	Rayonet	RPR-100
QuadraPure TU (catalyst scavenger)	Sigma-Aldrich	655422-5G
Quartz tubes	Favricated in-house	D=2", L=12.5" and D=1.5", L=10.5"
Rotavap	Buchi
SciLog Accu Digital Metering Pump MP- 40	Parker		500 mL capacity
Siliaflash Irregular Silica, F60	Silicycle	R10030B-25KG
Silver Nitrate	ACROS	AC197680050
Sodium hydroxide	VWR	BDH9292-2.5KG
Steel Mold	Fabricated in-house	Overall dimensions of mold cavity: length 20 mm, width 7 mm and depth 1 mm; gauge dimensions: length 10 mm, width 3 mm)
Steel Plates	Fabricated in-house	100 mm x 150 mm x 1 mm
Teflon Mold (6-cavities)	Fabricated in-house	Overall cavity dimensions: length 25 mm, width 8.35 mm and depth 0.8 mm; gauge dimensions: length 5 mm, width 2 mm)
Teflon Sheets (0.005" thick)	McMaster-Carr	8569K61
Temperature Control Modules	Omega	C9000A and C9000	°C units (two modules, one for top and one for bottom)
Triphenyl Phosphine	TCI	T0519500G
UV lamps	Rayonet	RPR2537A and RPR3000A
Vacuum pump	Welch Duoseal
Whatman Filter Paper (grade 2)	VWR	09-810F	filter paper