The ability to create functional molecules for a diverse set of applications continues to be one of the cornerstones of modern-day chemistry. However, as we embark towards the future the “greenness” of the synthesis becomes more and more important. Current work focuses on functionalization chemistry, with the interest to create both new functional green building blocks and new modification strategies. The developed strategies include selective ring-opening reaction with unprotected amino acids in an aqueous environment. Through this we could create an inexpensive, green protocol towards highly functionalized building blocks. One of these building-blocks can also be used as amine protecting-group. From biomass we have explored both green modification strategies of lignin and fundamental aspects of surface initiated ring-opening polymerization from wood cellulose fibers. In the first part we combined lignin fractionation with ring-opening polymerization (ROP). This enabled us to create functional and structural defined lignin star-copolymers. In the latter part, we tried to understand how the polarity of the surrounding system affect the grafting outcome. To address this, we performed the same polymerization, at the same temperature, with the same equivalents of reactants, and the same cleaning procedure, but in different solvents. It was evident that the solvent, in particular the hydrogen-bond donor strength of the solvent, dictates the grafting outcome. The results presented, and the strategies developed, focus on the fundamental aspects of chemical modification via ring-opening reactions. Trying to address questions like, how do we design our systems to achieve the envisioned transformation, and how does this translate to chemical modification of biomass.

Opening rings; from biopolymers, in water and beyond

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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