Preparation of Cobaltocenium-containing Vinyl Monomers and Their Polymers

Reference #: 00867

Background

Metallocene-containing polymers have attracted significant attention because they have great potential in catalytic, optical, magnetic and biological applications. This potential is due to metallocenes’ unique geometries and physicochemical properties. Among the metallocene polymers, ferrocene-containing polymers are the most studied. Unlike ferrocene, which has 18 electrons, cobaltocene has 19 electrons. Cobaltocene can readily lose one electron to form stable cobaltocenium (18 electrons), which is isoelectronic with ferrocene. Cobaltocenium polymers are less explored than ferrocene polymers due to the difficulty in synthesis of cobaltocenium derivatives.

Invention Description:

Dr. Tang’s invention details the preparation of cobaltocenium-containing vinyl monomers and their polymers. Cobaltocenium is placed as a functional side group of monomers and polymers. Cobaltocenium polymers are prepared by radical polymerization. Cobaltocenium vinyl monomers include acrylic, methacrylic, styrenic, and acrylamide monomers. Diverse linkers can be placed between the vinyl groups and cobaltocenium groups. Polymer compositions include homopolymers and random copolymers. These polymers have cationic cobaltocenium moiety at the side-chain.

More particularly, methods are provided for preparing cobaltocenium vinyl monomers and polymers, wherein:

1. cobaltocenium vinyl monomers (acrylate monomers, methacrylate monomers, styrene monomers and acrylamide monomers) can be polymerized;
2. homopolymers and random copolymers can be derived by polymerization of cobaltocenium vinyl monomers; and
3. homopolymers and random copolymers have controllable linkers between the polymer backbone and the cobaltocenium moiety.

Potential Applications:

Dr. Tang’s invention provides an entirely new approach to synthesis of cobaltocenium vinyl monomers and side-chain cobaltocenium-containing polymers in the following applications:

• redox sensors
• molecular recognition
• high-temperature resistance materials
• catalysts
• nanolithography
• precursors for ceramics
• magnetic materials

As polyelectrolytes, side-chain cobaltocenium-containing polymers can be used in the following applications:

• coatings
• controlled drug delivery
• gene delivery
• other biomedical applications

Advantages and Benefits:

Dr. Tang’s work demonstrates the potential for other polymer systems to be applied in a similar fashion to obtain controlled properties.