Carol A. Summers

Chemical modification of polysulfone: anionic synthesis of dipyridyl functionalized polysulfone

Abstract A new method for the synthesis of dipyridyl functionalized polysulfone is described. The functionalization process involves the formation of lithiated polysulfone from polysulfone ( 1 ) and subsequent reaction with 2,2′-vinylidenedipyridine ( 2 ) in tetrahydrofuran at −78°C under argon atmosphere. The dipyridyl functionalized polysulfone ( 3 ) was evaluated for the chelation of trace heavy metal ions such as copper and nickel in aqueous medium. The dipyridyl functionalized polysulfone shows better complexing affinity for nickel ions at specific concentrations of test solutions. Quaternization reactions of dipyridyl functionalized polysulfone with dimethyl sulfate in the presence of perchloric acid quantitatively affords the corresponding polymeric pyridinium perchlorate derivative ( 4 ).

Synthesis of aromatic carboxyl functionalized polymers by atom transfer radical polymerization

The synthesis of aromatic carboxyl functionalized polymers by atom transfer radical polymerization is described. The α-bromo-p-toluic acid (1) initiated polymerization of styrene in the presence of copper(I) bromide and 2,2′-bipyridyl affords quantitative yields of the corresponding aromatic carboxyl functionalized polystyrene (2). Polymerization proceeded via a controlled free radical process to afford quantitative yields of the corresponding aromatic carboxyl functionalized polymers with predictable molecular weights (Mn = 1600–25 900 g mol−1), narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw /Mn = 1.1–1.40) and an initiator efficiency above 0.87. The polymerization process was monitored by gas chromatographic analysis. The functionalized polymers were characterized by thin layer chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, spectroscopy, potentiometry and elemental analysis. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry