Thermo-responsive behavior of borinic acid polymers: experimental and molecular dynamics studies

摘要: The thermo-responsive properties of borinic acid polymers were investigated by experimental and molecular dynamics simulation studies. homopolymer poly(styrylphenyl(tri-iso-propylphenyl)borinic acid) (PBA) exhibits an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in polar organic solvents that is tunable over a wide range addition small amounts H2O. UCST 1 mg mL(-1) PBA DMSO can be adjusted from 20 to 100 °C varying the H2O content ∼0-2.5%, DMF 0 (∼3-17% content), THF 60 (∼4-19% H2O). increases almost linearly freezing point solvent with higher boiling lower point. mechanistic aspects this process simulations. latter indicate rapid strong hydrogen-bond formation between BOH moieties molecules, which serve as crosslinkers form insoluble network. Our results suggest acid-containing are promising new "smart" materials, display range.