Date of Graduation
5-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Advisor/Mentor
Striegler, Susanne
Committee Member/Reader
Zheng, Nan
Committee Member/Second Reader
Walker, James
Committee Member/Third Reader
Harriss, Edmund
Abstract
New developments in organic synthesis show promise in achieving the best catalytic properties for the hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds through microgel polymers and transition metal complexes. A monomer mix of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, butyl acrylate, and styrene form miniemulsion polymers after sonication and exposure to UV light. Gravimetrical analysis is used to determine the most suitable polymerization conditions by performing experiments at varying pH values, temperatures, monomer amounts, initiator amounts, and lamp heights. The final data show that the best polymerization conditions are a pH of 10.50 at 0°C with a high monomer ratio, 20% initiator amount, and a lamp height of 8 cm. The studies form the basis for improved polymers that will eventually serve as macromolecular catalysts.
Citation
Miller, H. N. (2016). Synthesis of Microgel Polymers as Catalysts. Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/chbcuht/15