Richard Alexander Evans

Photo-responsive systems and biomaterials: photochromic polymers, light-triggered self-assembly, surface modification, fluorescence modulation and beyond

There has been considerable interest in the application of photochromism to photo-responsive systems which has led to the development of new tailored smart materials for photonics and biomedical fields. Within a polymeric matrix photochromic isomerizations can be stimulated by light to reversibly alter the physical and chemical properties of a material such as LC phase, shape, surface wettability, permeability, solubility, self-assembly, size and fluorescence. The underlying principles behind photo-responsive behavior, subsequent applications and relevant examples are discussed in this review.

The rise of azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar 'click' cycloaddition and its application to polymer science and surface modification

New methods to synthesize and functionalize polymers are of constant interest to the polymer scientist. The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between an azide and terminal alkyne has received much attention since the reports that copper(i) provides high yields and regioselective synthesis of 1,4-substituted 1,2,3-triazoles. This coupling chemistry has been rapidly adopted by polymer scientists in the synthesis and post-polymerization modification of polymers. This Review will provide the historical context of the recent development of the copper-mediated azide–alkyne cycloaddition and its use in polymer science, particularly in dendrimer synthesis/functionalization, surface immobilization/modification, orthogonally functionalizing polymers, and its integration with ATRP (atom transfer radical polymerization).

Research Trends in Photochromism: Control of Photochromism in Rigid Polymer Matrices and other Advances

Photochromism is receiving increasing attention because of its current application in high value-added ophthalmic lenses and potential applications in data storage and molecular switching. The performance of photochromic dyes, such as spirooxazines, chromenes, and diarylethenes, in polymers is important because the above applications require the dyes to be in a host polymer. The dyes can be broadly divided into P (photo) and T (thermal) types depending on the availability of a thermal decolouration route. Current research themes for the two types are presented with an emphasis on a new method of manipulating switching speeds in polymer matrices.

Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid and Ester Mid-Functionalized Polymers using RAFT Polymerization and ATRP

Polymers with a single central point of carboxylic acid functionality were prepared by living radical polymerization methods, RAFT and ATRP. A convenient water-based synthesis of a Y-branched ATRP initiator from 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 2-bromopropionyl bromide, from which the Y-branched RAFT agent is then subsequently derived, is described. Polymerization occurred uniformly from both of the RAFT groups to give chains of equal length as shown by hydrolysis. ATRP polymerization based on an ester derivative of 3,5-bis(2-bromopropionyloxy)benzoic acid as initiator was well controlled, whereas the free carboxylic acid gave inconsistent performance. The ability to couple functional molecules to the middle of polymers would provide better protection or interaction of the functional molecule with the polymer than conventional end attachment. This would find applications such as in drug delivery where more efficient protection would allow the use of lower molecular weight polymers.

Tailoring Photochromic Performance of Polymer-Dye Conjugates Using Living Radical Polymerization (ATRP)

ABSTRACT The photochromic performance of polymer-dye conjugates was successfully tailored using the living radical polymerization technique ATRP. ATRP allowed the synthesis of photochromic dye-polymer conjugates consisting of polymer of defined chain length and polydispersity with a single photochromic dye attached at one end. Control over the photochromic switching speed was achieved solely thorough choice of the chain length of the polymer conjugate.

Synthesis of Green Colored Photochromic 6′-Arylamino Spiro [2H]Naphth[1,2-b]oxazines

The published route to a series of 6′-arylamino substituted photochromic spirooxazines has been investigated with improvements made to perform the synthesis in satisfactory yield. The route has been exemplified with several novel derivatives prepared (including hydroxyl functionalised). Additionally, a one-pot procedure for the conversion of suitably functionalized 1,2-naphthoquinones into the photochromic compounds is reported.