Professor Sanford's research focuses on the synthesis of substituted (1.1.1) propellanes and their polymerization to produce materials displaying novel thermal and optical properties. Introduction of long-chain alkyl substituents will enhance the solubility of the targeted homopolymers and alternating copolymers. Polymerization of propellane monomers with planar pi-substituents will create materials with novel molecular architectures, while copolymerization with electron deficient olefins will provide materials with unusual electronic properties. Large-ring propellanes will provide access to polyamides with rigid propellane structures in the main chain of the polymer. In addition to providing undergraduate research opportunities in these projects, Professor Sanford will integrate materials issues into the curricula for science and engineering students and will develop a collaborative, interdisciplinary course for nonscience majors in which critical thinking and understanding of science will be fostered through lecture and laboratory investigations relating to science and technology in the everyday world. With this CAREER award, the Synthetic Organic Program supports the research and educational activities of Dr. Elizabeth Sanford of the Department of Chemistry of Hope College. Professor Sanford's research focuses on the synthesis of propeller-shaped molecules known as propellanes. These molecules are relatively unstable, and they readily undergo reactions which relieve their strained polycyclic structures, forming polymers comprised of long chains. Professor Sanford introduces various substructures into the propellane molecules, thereby permitting the formation of polymers bearing these substructures, which are designed to impart to the polymers better solubility, novel architectures, and unusual electronic properties. Professor Sanford is developing educational programs for both science and nonscience majors. A course focusing on science and technology in the everyday world will be developed for the nonscience majors, while curriculum changes and the opportunity for undergraduate research in Professor Sanford's laboratory will afford undergraduate science and engineering students a broad view of current materials science issues.
