Roscoe T. H. Linstadt

High-performance mussel-inspired adhesives of reduced complexity

Despite the recent progress in and demand for wet adhesives, practical underwater adhesion remains limited or non-existent for diverse applications. Translation of mussel-inspired wet adhesion typically entails catechol functionalization of polymers and/or polyelectrolytes, and solution processing of many complex components and steps that require optimization and stabilization. Here we reduced the complexity of a wet adhesive primer to synthetic low-molecular-weight catecholic zwitterionic surfactants that show very strong adhesion (∼50 mJ m−2) and retain the ability to coacervate. This catecholic zwitterion adheres to diverse surfaces and self-assembles into a molecularly smooth, thin (<4 nm) and strong glue layer. The catecholic zwitterion holds particular promise as an adhesive for nanofabrication. This study significantly simplifies bio-inspired themes for wet adhesion by combining catechol with hydrophobic and electrostatic functional groups in a small molecule.

Stereoselective Silylcupration of Conjugated Alkynes in Water at Room Temperature

Micellar catalysis enables copper-catalyzed silylcupration of a variety of electron-deficient alkynes, thereby providing access to isomerically pure E- or Z-β-silyl-substituted carbonyl derivatives. These reactions take place in minutes, afford high yields and stereoselectivity, and are especially tolerant of functional groups present in the substrates. The aqueous reaction medium has been successfully recycled several times, and a substrate/catalyst ratio of 10,000:1 has been documented for this methodology.

Synthesis of Functionalized [3], [4], [5] and [6]Dendralenes through Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Couplings of Substituted Allenoates

A mild method for the synthesis of highly functionalized [3]-[6]dendralenes is reported, representing a general strategy to diversely substituted higher homologues of the dendralenes. The methodology utilizes allenoates bearing various substitution patterns, along with a wide range of boron and alkenyl nucleophiles that couple under palladium catalysis leading to sp-, sp2 -, and sp3 -substituted arrays. Regioselective transformations of the newly formed unsymmetrical dendralene derivatives are demonstrated. The use of micellar catalysis, where water is the global reaction medium, and room temperature reaction conditions, highlights the green nature of this technology.

B-Alkyl sp3–sp2 Suzuki–Miyaura Couplings under Mild Aqueous Micellar Conditions

Use of B-sp3-alkyl reagents for Suzuki-Miyaura couplings under aqueous micellar catalysis conditions is reported. Studies as to substrate scope, use in a four-step one-pot sequence, and reaction medium recycling exemplify the synthetic utility of this technology. OBBD ( B-alkyl-9-oxa-10-borabicyclo[3.3.2]decane) derivatives are easily made and utilized for couplings under mild conditions. Comparisons were also made between OBBD and 9-BBN ( B-alkyl-9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) derivatives as reaction partners.

Synthesis of Functionalized 1,3-Butadienes via Pd-Catalyzed Cross-Couplings of Substituted Allenic Esters in Water at Room Temperature

An environmentally responsible, mild method for the synthesis of functionalized 1,3-butadienes is presented. It utilizes allenic esters of varying substitution patterns, as well as a wide range of boron-based nucleophiles under palladium catalysis, generating sp-sp2, sp2-sp2, and sp2-sp3 bonds. Functional group tolerance measured via robustness screening, along with room temperature and aqueous reaction conditions highlight the methodologys breadth and potential utility in synthesis.