Date Approved
2018
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Chemistry
Committee Member
Gregg Wilmes, PhD,
Committee Member
Cory Emal, PhD
Committee Member
Timothy Friebe, PhD
Abstract
Catalysts are reagents used to reduce the amount of energy that a reaction needs to execute, allowing it to proceed at a higher rate while not being consumed. The use of catalyst functionalized amphiphilic copolymer allows easier recovery of the catalyst at the end of the synthesis and allows for the reaction. In water, under appropriate conditions, the amphiphilic block copolymers will form micelles and allow the reaction to occur on the interior of the micelle. The synthesis of amphiphilic copolymer with a hydrophobic O-methacryloyl-trans-4- hydroxy-L-proline and methyl methacrylate end and a hydrophilic acrylic acid end was characterized. The polymer was tested as an asymmetric catalyst for an aldol reaction in aqueous conditions. The polymer was able to successfully stereoselectively catalyze the reaction with a preference for the anti-addition.
Recommended Citation
Firestone, Eric, "Synthesis and catalytic testing of a proline functionalized amphiphilic block copolymer" (2018). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 920.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/920