Ihor Kulai

Phosphinoyl and thiophosphinoylcarbodithioates: synthesis, molecular structure, and application as new efficient mediators for RAFT polymerization.

New phosphinoyl and thiophosphinoylcarbodithioates were synthesized in a one-pot reaction from the corresponding phosphinochalcogenides. Compounds of this new generation of thiocarbonylthio derivatives have been fully characterized by IR as well as (1)H, (31)P, and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry. Their solid-state structures reveal that they are isostructural but crystallize in different space groups. These new compounds are highly efficient reversible chain-transfer agents for the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of styrene (St) and n-butyl acrylate (nBA), with controlled number-average molecular weights (Mn) and narrow dispersity values (Ð<1.3). The controlled character of the polymerization was further exemplified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and the synthesis of PSt-P(nBA) diblock copolymers.

Alkyl Triarylstannanecarbodithioates: Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Efficiency in RAFT Polymerization

Eight alkyl triarylstannanecarbodithioates were synthesized starting from the corresponding triarylstannyl chlorides. They were fully characterized by IR and 1 H, 13 C, and 119 Sn NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Their solid-state structures and geometric parameters were determined and compared to those of other classes of thiocarbonylthio compounds. These new organotin derivatives are efficient reversible chain-transfer agents for reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of styrene (St) and n-butyl acrylate (BA), with controlled number-average molecular weights and narrow dispersities (Ð<1.3). In some cases, loss of control of the polymerization was evidenced and supported by the observation of side products by 119 Sn NMR spectroscopy. This phenomenon was attributed to the thermal instability of the Sn-RAFT terminal group.