Catalyst for the Synthesis of Cyclic Polyalkynes

Enhances the Rate of Reactions of Various Energy Substrates

This catalyst has the ability to transform cyclic alkynes into cyclic polyalkynes, which have different functional properties than the linear polymer. Catalysts are important in creating compounds for the energy industry such as motor oil, biofuels, and flexible electronics. The escalating demand for catalysts from applications including chemical synthesis, petroleum refining, polymers and petrochemicals, and environmental is driving demand for process optimization, yield improvement, cost-saving, and energy-saving amongst manufacturers globally. The global catalyst market size was valued at $33.9 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4 percent.

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a catalyst and its respective product, cyclic polyalkynes, that may be useful in the chemical synthesis of more conducting polymers, photoactive materials, solar cells, and flexible electronics.

Application

Various uses in the catalyst industry, including flexible electronics, polymers, solar cells, and conducting polymers

Advantages

• Tethered alkylidyne catalyst, allowing for the synthesis of cyclic polyalkynes
• Cyclic polyalkynes have improved properties relative to their linear derivatives such as lower surface friction coefficient, lower intrinsic viscosity, and higher glass transition temperature

Technology

The catalyst is composed of a tethered alkylidyne and catalyzes the ring expansion alkyne metathesis polymerization (REAMP) of cyclic alkynes to produce cyclic polyalkynes. The functional properties of these molecules have not been tested yet, as its synthesis is novel.

Ring Expansion Alkyne Metathesis Polymerization.