Synthesis and catalytic testing of a proline functionalized amphiphilic block copolymer

<p>Catalysts are reagents used to reduce the amount of energy that a reaction needs to execute, allowing it to proceed at a higher rate while not being consumed. The use of catalyst functionalized amphiphilic copolymer allows easier recovery of the catalyst at the end of the synthesis and allows for the reaction. In water, under appropriate conditions, the amphiphilic block copolymers will form micelles and allow the reaction to occur on the interior of the micelle. The synthesis of amphiphilic copolymer with a hydrophobic O-methacryloyl-trans-4- hydroxy-L-proline and methyl methacrylate end and a hydrophilic acrylic acid end was characterized. The polymer was tested as an asymmetric catalyst for an aldol reaction in aqueous conditions. The polymer was able to successfully stereoselectively catalyze the reaction with a preference for the anti-addition.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Year dc:date.available

2018

Author dc:creator

• Firestone, Eric

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gregg Wilmes, PhD,
• Cory Emal, PhD
• Timothy Friebe, PhD

• Block Copolymer
• Micelle
• Proline
• RAFT Polymerization
• Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/920

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2297