In this project funded by the Organic Dynamics Program in the Chemistry Division, Professor C. David Gutsche of the Chemistry Department at Texas Christion University will investigate the "Mechanism, Scope, Limitations, and Applications of Phenol-Formaldehyde Reactions". One of the goals of this project, is to determine the mechanism by which cyclic oligomers and other products are formed in these reactions. These studies are also of importance in enhancing an understanding of the demulsifiers used in the oil industry. This project will study the mechanism of formation of cyclic oligmers from the reactions of p-alkylphenols with methanal and the interconversion of cyclic octamers to cyclic tetramers. Polymeric calixarenes and calixarenes imbedded in polymeric systems containing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties will be investigated.
