Controlled Radical Polymerization Using Iodine Ion Mediators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radical polymerization methods struggle to produce polymers with complex structures like block copolymers and star polymers due to the short lifetime of radicals, leading to non-uniform molecular weights and requiring special compounds and metal catalysts, which complicates the process and necessitates strict conditions.
Innovation Solution
A novel polymerization method using a monomer with a specific polymerization initiating group and an iodine ion-containing compound, which initiates radical polymerization upon mixing and warming, allowing for the production of polymers with controlled molecular weight and structure without the need for radical initiators or metal catalysts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional radical polymerization using radical initiators is used, then polymerization can proceed, but the radical lifetime is very short leading to non-uniform molecular weight and inability to produce complex structured polymers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transition metal complex as an intermediary substance that mediates between the radical initiator and the monomer. The metal complex has a longer lifetime than conventional radicals and can controllably transfer radical activity, enabling uniform molecular weight and complex polymer structures while maintaining polymerization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter of radical lifetime by using transition metal complexes with unpaired d-electrons that can stabilize radical species. This parameter change extends the effective radical lifetime from microseconds to seconds or minutes, allowing controlled polymerization and formation of complex structures
2Manufacturing precision
If living radical polymerization is used to control molecular weight and structure, then polymers with controlled molecular weight can be obtained, but special compounds or metal catalysts are required needing removal, adding complicated steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transition metal complexes that can be employed in catalytic amounts and do not require removal like traditional living polymerization catalysts. The metal complexes remain in the final product without requiring additional purification steps, simplifying the overall process while maintaining molecular weight control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the problematic purification step from the process by selecting transition metal catalysts that do not require removal. This eliminates the need for complex purification equipment and procedures while maintaining the ability to control molecular weight and polymer structure
3Manufacturing precision
If living radical polymerization is used, then controlled polymerization is achieved, but strict polymerization conditions are needed including nitrogen atmosphere and purified monomers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sensitivity parameters of the polymerization system by using transition metal complexes that are tolerant of oxygen and moisture. This allows polymerization to proceed under atmospheric conditions without requiring nitrogen atmosphere or highly purified monomers, greatly simplifying operation while maintaining structure control
Solution Approach 2:
The transition metal complex system is self-tolerant of impurities like oxygen and moisture that would normally terminate conventional radical polymerization. The metal complex can regenerate active species even in the presence of these impurities, eliminating the need for strict exclusion conditions and simplifying the operational requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables the simple and cost-effective production of polymers with complex structures, such as ABA block copolymers and star polymers, using commercially available materials under mild conditions, reducing environmental impact and storage concerns.
Implementation Method 1
radical polymerization accompanied by a termination reaction is initiated from the group having a particular structure
Implementation Method 2
mixing and warming at least: (1) a radically polymerizable monomer having an unsaturated bond; (2) an organic compound wherein at least one group that functions as a group for initiating polymerization of the monomer and that has a structure represented by the following formula 1 or the following formula 2 is introduced in a molecule of the organic compound; and (3) an iodine ion-containing compound
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides: a novel production technique that enables production of a polymer whose molecular weight and molecular weight distribution are controlled and production of a polymer having a complicated structure in a desirably controlled manner using commercially available materials without using a radical polymerization initiator or a special material for use in living radical polymerization and without the need for strict polymerization conditions; and a radical polymerization initiating group-containing compound for use in the technique. The present invention relates to: a method for producing a polymer, the method including a polymerization step of mixing and warming (1) a radically polymerizable monomer, (2) an organic compound wherein at least one group that functions as a group for initiating polymerization of the monomer and that has a structure represented by formula 1 or formula 2 (X in the formula represents Cl or Br) is introduced in a molecule of the organic compound, and (3) an iodine-containing compound, thereby initiating, from the group having the structure, radical polymerization accompanied by a termination reaction; and the organic compound of (2) for use in the method.