Polycarbodiimides are a class of synthetic helical polymers that have received attention based on their chiral nematic phases. They can be synthesized into single-handed helices that form cholesteric mesophases with special optical properties, such as selective reflection of light. These polymers have potential applications in liquid crystals. In this study, we have prepared a series of cholesteric polydicarbodiimides to correlate their backbone conformation and behavior as liquid crystalline materials. More specifically, we are using dicarbodiimide linkers in combination with carbodimide monomers to produce a helical backbone for comparison with polymers made from monocarbodiimides.  We have extended the living polymerization approach of monocarbodimide polymerization using Ti(IV) based initiators.  The goal of this project is the rational synthesis of polymers with new architectures and targeted properties. In this presentation, the structural rationale, synthesis, backbone conformations, optical properties and liquid crystalline behavior of the resulting polymers will be discussed.

Cross-linked polymerization of carbodiimides to explore liquid crystalline behavior

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.