9634528 Novak This grant is directed torward finding more direct methods of synthesizing useful polymers from inexpensive, new monomers. Specifically, the PI will focus on the synthesis of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), PVOH derivatives, and poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) derivatives from enols and enamines, respectively. One goal of this work is the conversion of acetaldehyde to PVOH, which de facto, is the synthesis of PVOH from ethylene and oxygen. The synthetic approach involves circumventing inherent thermodynamic limitations by approaching conundrums from a kinetic perspective. From this vantage point, many thermodynamic problems can be transformed into competitive rate problems, and hence, remedied through chemistry (e.g., catalysis, conditions, etc.). In the context of this proposal, enols (e.g., vinyl alcohol, and its substituted derivatives) will be rapidly generated under meta-stable conditions and polymerized at a rate faster than they can tautomerize to the more thermodynamically stable aldehyde. Alternative enols will also be generated by the catalytic isomerization of allyl alcohol derivatives to the corresponding enols using homogeneous Rh(I), Ir(I), and Ru(II) catalysts. %%% Synthesis of important polymers from common and inexpensive sources, in particular on synthesis of water-soluble polymers used in applications ranging from pharmaceuticals to low VOC paints. ***
