Access Type

Open Access Thesis

Date of Award

January 2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

James Bour

Abstract

Porous polymers, known for their high internal surface area and robust chemical stability, are promising candidates for applications in gas storage, water purification, energy storage, and catalysis. The Yamamoto-type Ullmann reaction, known for yielding high porosity polymers, serves as a benchmark in this study. However, its limitations as a homocoupling reaction restricts the synthesis of ordered A-B type copolymers. This research addresses this challenge by investigating the use of cross-coupling reactions, particularly the Negishi reaction, to synthesize A-B type copolymers with reduced defectivity and enhanced surface area. The synthesis of fully-metalated intermediates and their subsequent polymerization are discussed in detail. The results demonstrate that fully transmetalation-active nucleophilic monomers can potentially lead to higher porosity in cross-coupled polymers. Additionally, we explore the Eglinton coupling methodology for alkyne-alkyne polymerization, aiming to further reduce defectivity in porous polymers via fully pre-metalated monomers. The findings indicate significant potential for the development of highly porous polymers through optimized cross-coupling techniques, though challenges remain in achieving the theoretical maximum surface areas.

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