Many methodologies exist to graft functional groups to a surface, yet these methods suffer at least one drawback.  Either functional groups are randomly grafted with little control over the placement of these groups (co-grafting, sol-gel), or the synthesis scheme grafts groups in a controlled geometry yet allows for little functional group diversity (molecular template imprinting).  We report a new strategy in which groups can be placed with defined geometries.  Such a strategy would allow for the creation of organic hybrid silica surfaces that demonstrate unique properties due to cooperative interactions of the grafted functional groups. The method utilizes a degradable bond that dissociates on demand.  We demonstrate the strategy with pairings of carboxylic acids and organosilanols at predetermined distances.  The organosilanol offers a versatile platform that can be transformed into a variety of functional groups.  We have successfully grafted a carboxylic acid/amine pair capable of  cooperative acid/base catalysis.

Catalytic materials with tunable functional group pairings

245th National Meeting (2013)

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