Frank A. Leibfarth

Bio: Frank A. Leibfarth is an academic researcher from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The author has contributed to research in topics: Polymer & Polymerization. The author has an hindex of 26, co-authored 48 publications receiving 3203 citations. Previous affiliations of Frank A. Leibfarth include University of Warwick & IBM.

Guanidine and Amidine Organocatalysts for Ring-Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Esters

Abstract: 1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD), N-methyl-TBD (MTBD), and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) are effective organocatalysts for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters such as lactide (LA), δ-valerolactone (VL), and e-caprolactone (CL). TBD is shown to polymerize LA, VL, and CL in a fast and controlled manner, whereas MTBD and DBU polymerized LA and addition of a thiourea cocatalyst led to the ROP of VL and CL being achieved. Each of the catalysts produced polymers displaying high end group fidelity, good correlation between theoretical and observed molecular weight, and linear relationships between conversion and molecular weight. The enhanced activity of TBD relative to MTBD and DBU is attributed to its bifunctionality, enabling the simultaneous activation of both the cyclic ester monomer and the alcohol group of the initiator/propagating species. Temperature-dependent NMR studies generated individual association constants for MTBD with benzyl alcohol and thiourea with VL. ...

Photoswitching using visible light: a new class of organic photochromic molecules.

Abstract: A versatile new class of organic photochromic molecules that offers an unprecedented combination of physical properties including tunable photoswitching using visible light, excellent fatigue resistance, and large polarity changes is described. These unique features offer significant opportunities in diverse fields ranging from biosensors to targeted delivery systems while also allowing non-experts ready synthetic access to these materials.

External Regulation of Controlled Polymerizations

Abstract: Polymer chemists, through advances in controlled polymerization techniques and reliable post-functionalization methods, now have the tools to create materials of almost infinite variety and architecture. Many relevant challenges in materials science, however, require not only functional polymers but also on-demand access to the properties and performance they provide. The power of such temporal and spatial control of polymerization can be found in nature, where the production of proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides helps regulate multicomponent systems and maintain homeostasis. Here we review existing strategies for temporal control of polymerizations through external stimuli including chemical reagents, applied voltage, light, and mechanical force. Recent work illustrates the considerable potential for this emerging field and provides a coherent vision and set of criteria for pursuing future strategies for regulating controlled polymerizations.

Iterative exponential growth of stereo- and sequence-controlled polymers

Abstract: Chemists have long sought sequence-controlled synthetic polymers that mimic nature's biopolymers, but a practical synthetic route that enables absolute control over polymer sequence and structure remains a key challenge. Here, we report an iterative exponential growth plus side-chain functionalization (IEG+) strategy that begins with enantiopure epoxides and facilitates the efficient synthesis of a family of uniform >3 kDa macromolecules of varying sequence and stereoconfiguration that are coupled to produce unimolecular polymers (>6 kDa) with sequences and structures that cannot be obtained using traditional polymerization techniques. Selective side-chain deprotection of three hexadecamers is also demonstrated, which imbues each compound with the ability to dissolve in water. We anticipate that these new macromolecules and the general IEG+ strategy will find broad application as a versatile platform for the scalable synthesis of sequence-controlled polymers.

Organocatalysis by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

Abstract: In the investigation of efficient chemical transformations, the carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions play an outstanding role. In this context, organocatalytic processes have achieved considerable attention. 1 Beside their facile reaction course, selectivity, and environmental friendliness, new synthetic strategies are made possible. Particularly, the inversion of the classical reactivity (Umpolung) opens up new synthetic pathways. 2 In nature, the coenzyme thiamine (vitamin B1), a natural thiazolium salt, utilizes a catalytic variant of this concept in biochemical processes as nucleophilic acylations. 3 The catalytically active species is a nucleophilic carbene. 4

Solar Synthesis: Prospects in Visible Light Photocatalysis

Abstract: Background Interest in photochemical synthesis has been motivated in part by the realization that sunlight is effectively an inexhaustible energy source.Chemists have also long recognized distinctive patterns of reactivity that are uniquely accessible via photochemical activation. However, most simple organic molecules absorb only ultraviolet (UV) light and cannot be activated by the visible wavelengths that comprise most of the solar energy that reaches Earth’s surface. Consequently, organic photochemistry has generally required the use of UV light sources. Visible light photocatalysis. ( A ) Transition metal photocatalysts, such as Ru(bpy) 3 2+ , readily absorb visible light to access reactive excited states. ( B ) Photoexcited Ru*(bpy) 3 2+ can act as an electron shuttle, interacting with sacrificial electron donors D (path i) or acceptors A (path ii) to yield either a strongly reducing or oxidizing catalyst toward organic substrates S. Ru*(bpy) 3 2+ can also directly transfer energy to an organic substrate to yield electronically excited species (path iii). bpy, 2,29-bipyridine; MLCT, metal-to-ligand charge transfer. Advances Over the past several years, there has been a resurgence of interest in synthetic photochemistry, based on the recognition that the transition metal chromophores that have been so productively exploited in the design of technologies for solar energy conversion can also convert visible light energy into useful chemical potential for synthetic purposes. Visible light enables productive photoreactions of compounds possessing weak bonds that are sensitive toward UV photodegradation. Furthermore, visible light photoreactions can be conducted by using essentially any source of white light, including sunlight, which obviates the need for specialized UV photoreactors. This feature has expanded the accessibility of photochemical reactions to a broader range of synthetic organic chemists. A variety of reaction types have now been shown to be amenable to visible light photocatalysis via photoinduced electron transfer to or from the transition metal chromophore, as well as energy-transfer processes. The predictable reactivity of the intermediates generated and the tolerance of the reaction conditions to a wide range of functional groups have enabled the application of these reactions to the synthesis of increasingly complex target molecules. Outlook This general strategy for the use of visible light in organic synthesis is already being adopted by a growing community of synthetic chemists. Much of the current research in this emerging area is geared toward the discovery of photochemical solutions for increasingly ambitious synthetic goals. Visible light photocatalysis is also attracting the attention of researchers in chemical biology, materials science, and drug discovery, who recognize that these reactions offer opportunities for innovation in areas beyond traditional organic synthesis. The long-term goals of this emerging area are to continue to improve efficiency and synthetic utility and to realize the long-standing goal of performing chemical synthesis using the sun.

Synthesis of polycaprolactone: a review

Abstract: Polycaprolactone (PCL) is an important polymer due to its mechanical properties, miscibility with a large range of other polymers and biodegradability. Two main pathways to produce polycaprolactone have been described in the literature: the polycondensation of a hydroxycarboxylic acid: 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid, and the ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of a lactone: e-caprolactone (e-CL). This critical review summarises the different conditions which have been described to synthesise PCL, and gives a broad overview of the different catalytic systems that were used (enzymatic, organic and metal catalyst systems). A surprising variety of catalytic systems have been studied, touching on virtually every section of the periodic table. A detailed list of reaction conditions and catalysts/initiators is given and reaction mechanisms are presented where known. Emphasis is put on the ROP pathway due to its prevalence in the literature and the superior polymer that is obtained. In addition, ineffective systems that have been tried to catalyse the production of PCL are included in the electronic supplementary information for completeness (141 references).

Organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization.

Abstract: Modern synthetic methods have revolutionized polymer chemistry through the development of new and powerful strategies for the controlled synthesis of complex polymer architectures. 1-5 Many of these developments were spawned by new classes of transition metal catalysts for the synthesis of new polyolefin microstructures, 5 the design of highly efficient families of “living” polymerization strategies for the synthesis of block, graft, and star polymers, 6-12 controlled methods for the synthesis of dendritic macromolecules, 3,13,14

Applications of Continuous-Flow Photochemistry in Organic Synthesis, Material Science, and Water Treatment

Abstract: Continuous-flow photochemistry in microreactors receives a lot of attention from researchers in academia and industry as this technology provides reduced reaction times, higher selectivities, straightforward scalability, and the possibility to safely use hazardous intermediates and gaseous reactants. In this review, an up-to-date overview is given of photochemical transformations in continuous-flow reactors, including applications in organic synthesis, material science, and water treatment. In addition, the advantages of continuous-flow photochemistry are pointed out and a thorough comparison with batch processing is presented.