Professor Andrew J. Boydston, University of Washington

"New Strategies for Making and Breaking Polymers"

About the Seminar:

We have investigated new designs for mechanochemically-reactive species (mechanophores) and the ability to amplify mechanochemical responses via triggered depolymerization. Our new mechanophore designs are capable of activation via force-guided bond bending motions, as opposed to more common approaches that utilized bond elongation. Key features of our design include the ability to release an organic small molecule as the chemical output arising from mechanical input, and mechanochemical reactivity that does not inherently require bond scission within the polymer main chain. In addition to our recent results on these “flex activated” mechanophores, new strategies for polymer synthesis will be discussed. Specifically, we have recently developed methods for metal-free ring-opening metathesis polymerization. The process involves a co-initiator combination comprising an electron rich vinyl ether and pyrylium photo-oxidant, enabling temporal control over the photo-mediated polymerization. We have explored aspects of the functional group tolerance, monomer structural scope, and crosslinking capabilities. Additionally, we have investigated bulk polymerization and on-demand curing. Key advancements in these areas will be discussed, as well as new mechanistic insights.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Boydston began studying chemistry as an undergraduate at the University of Oregon under the guidance of Professor Michael M. Haley. His research focused on the synthesis and study of dehydrobenzoannulenes. After completing BS and MS degrees, he began doctoral research at the University of Texas at Austin. In 2005, Dr. Boydston joined the group of Professor Christopher W. Bielawski and was co-advised by Professor C. Grant Willson. Dr. Boydston completed his thesis research focused on the synthesis and applications of annulated bis(imidazolium) chromophores in 2007. After graduating, he moved to Pasadena, California to take an NIH postdoctoral position at the California Institute of Technology. There, he worked under the mentorship of Professor Robert H. Grubbs to develop new catalysts and methods for the synthesis and characterization of functionalized cyclic polymers. He returned to the Pacific Northwest as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Washington in the summer of 2010. His research group currently focuses on developments in the areas of electro-organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, mechanochemical transduction, and triggered depolymerization. His research and teaching efforts have been recognized through the NSF CAREER Award, Army Research Office Young Investigator Award, Cottrell Scholar Award, and University of Washington Distinguished Teaching Award.