Diastereospecific Ion-Pairing, "Amphicatalytic" Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers

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Prof. Eugene Chen, Colorado State University Chemistry Department, is supported by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry program for his work devoloping a mechanistic understanding of the diastereospecific ion pair-catalyzed polymerization of functionalized vinyl monomers. Diastereospecific ion-pairing catalysis departs from conventional polymerization catalysis by utilizing both the cation and the anion in the independent, diastereomeric polymer chain growth as well as in the exchange of the growing polymer chains. An important implication of this new concept is the production of functionalized polymers with unique stereomultiblock microstructures. This research on new catalysts for the polymerization of functionalized vinyl monomers will provide polymer chemists with a tool for producing novel stereoblock microstructures. This research will produce both fundamental knowledge and novel stereoblock microstructures in polymeric materials for new applications through the formation of self-organized, morphologically unique stereocomplexes. Potential uses of the new materials generated through this program include thin films, catalyst and enzyme immobilization, molecular recognition, and smart microgels. Students will receive excellent training and research experiences in a forefront synthetic inorganic chemistry program focused on catalysts for the preparation of novel polymer materials.