Synthesis of functionalised 12-,13- and 14-membered crown ethers bearing exocyclic polymerisable groups and the binding properties and conductivities of their lithium doped polymers

Authors:
  • LCLuke Collie
    Luke Collie
  • JDJames E. Denness
    James E. Denness
  • FOFiona O'CArroll
    Fiona O'CArroll
  • CTChristine Tachon
    Christine Tachon
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Abstract
The synthesis of a series of [12], [13] and [14]-membered crown ethers bearing an exocyclic polymerisable methacrylate is reported. The spacing group between the ring and the methacrylate is either a simple alkyl chain, [CH2] or [CH2]6, or an oxydiethylene chain. The relative binding ability of the ‘mono and di-substituted’ macrocyclic rings towards Li+ is compared by 13C NMR analysis. Radical polymerisation gives the amorphous polymers in which the glass transition temperature is primarily controlled by the nature of the spacer group. In the lithium doped polymers, for a given glass transition temperature, Tg, the [12]-ring materials show enhanced ionic conductivities over the [14]-ring analogues which may be related to the lower rate of lithium exchange (in the former series) or to an enhanced tendency of the [12]-ring systems to form 2:1 complexes with more effective counterion separation.