MATERIALS CHEMISTRY OF BULLVALENE
Abstract
Bullvalene is a multi-state dynamic organic molecule capable of rapid reorganization between isomers that occupy distinct orientations in three-dimensional space. The ability to form a self-contained molecular library of geometrical isomers of similar energy presents new opportunities to direct these molecules into metastable forms and manipulate materials properties through thermal, electromagnetic, or mechanical inputs. In this work, basic research into the underlying chemistry and physics of bullvalene will be explored in order to understand fluxional behavior through intra- and intermolecular interactions to generate collective organization in supramolecular and macromolecular assemblies. The central question to be answered is: How can bullvalene dynamics be used to control the behavior of organic materials? Liquid crystallinity is the focus of this work due to the fundamental importance of geometry and symmetry on mesophase formation and the energetic requirements to transfer between anisotropic and isotropic states commiserate with the energy barriers of bullvalene isomerization. Liquid crystalline materials have been transformative in the creation of electrically and magnetically reprogrammable systems, with applications ranging from liquid-crystal displays to shape-change materials. New chemistry will be developed and applied in combination with existing methods to prepare bullvalene materials that organize into liquid crystalline phases, and the resulting thermal and optical properties will be compared to static analogs. The incorporation of bullvalene into polymeric systems will be coupled with knowledge gained in small molecule studies to investigate the strain behavior in response to external stress and understand the relationship to thermal behavior. This basic research will identify how to manipulate and design these dynamically reconfigurable systems to inform the creation new materials platform for advanced applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010274
Entities
People
- Will R Gutekunst
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Georgia Tech Research Corporation
- United States Air Force