New Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Architectures Containing -SiNSi- Linkages--Dendrimers, Hyperbranched Polymers, and Cyclics

Southern Methodist University, Dallas TX

Investigators

Abstract

David Son, Chemistry Department, Southern Methodist University, is supported by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry Program for developing new synthetic routes to cyclic and polymeric silazanes and carbosilazanes. The synthetic chemistry will be applied to the synthesis of novel organosilicon dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers containing -SiNSi-motifs. Repeated halogenation of monomers such as N(SiMe2H)3 followed by condensation with difunctional units such as HN(SiMe2H) can lead to cyclic oligomers or polymers depending on reaction sequencing and conditions. The syntheses of cyclic and ethynyl-substituted oligomers will be investigated to determine ring size preferences and the reactivity of these unusual molecules. The small strained rings will also be characterized to determine their unique bonding characteristics. In addition to their fundamental interest, these polymers and dendrimers may be useful hybrid inorganic/organic materials for ceramic films, degradable polymers, and other specialty applications. By participating in this project, undergraduates and masters students will develop expertise in polymer synthesis and characterization.