Chirality-selected phase behaviour in ionic polypeptide complexes.

Polyelectrolyte complexes present new opportunities for self-assembled soft matter. Factors determining whether the phase of the complex is solid or liquid remain unclear. Ionic polypeptides enable examination of the effects of stereochemistry on complex formation.

Ketene-Based Route to rigid Cyclobutanediol Monomers for the Replacement of BPA in High Performance Polyesters.

Recently, polyesters based on the diol monomer 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCBDO) have been shown to exhibit excellent thermal stability, mechanical properties, and optical clarity. In particular, the ability of TMCBDO to replace bisphenol A as a diol monomer in polycarbonates and polyesters has resulted in significant commercial and academic interest in these types of monomers. Herein, we report a versatile synthetic strategy based on the dimerization of ketenes derived from the thermal treatment of Meldrum's acid for the synthesis of structurally diverse cyclobutanediol (CBDO) monomers.

Poly(allyl glycidyl ether)-A versatile and functional polyether platform.

Allyl glycidyl ether, polymerized from potassium alkoxide/naphthalenide initiators under both neat and solution conditions was shown to be a highly-controlled process. In both cases, molar masses (10-100 kg/mol) were determined by the reaction stoichiometry, and low polydispersity indices (1.05-1.

An energy efficient and facile synthesis of high molecular weight polyesters using ketenes.

A facile, ketene-based strategy for the synthesis of polyesters from stable Meldrum's acid monomers has been developed which overcomes many issues associated with traditional step-growth procedures. A significant increase in polymerization efficiency is observed with only 10 min reaction time at 220 °C being needed to obtain high molecular weight polymers.