Catalytic Dehydrocoupling of Amine-Borane Adducts: A Route to Polyaminoboranes, Boron-Nitrogen Analogues of Polyolefins

The proposed research will develop catalytic routes to polyaminoboranes, a new class of polymers that have been prepared as an unanticipated spin-off from a recent EPSRC grant. We aim to exploit this preliminary breakthrough to develop these new materials and, crucially, to discover what properties they possess. The proposed work is essential if these materials are to have widespread impact. Polyaminoboranes have excellent potential and are readily accessible from cheap starting materials (amine-borane adducts). Synthetic development and improved catalysts will allow access to a wide range of materials with different properties, for which exciting potential applications can be envisaged. We will also target polyiminoboranes, BN analogs of polyacetylene, which have been predicted to possess interesting properties as a result of significant electron delocalisation.

Who will benefit from this research? How will they benefit from this research? The aim of the research described in this fundamental research proposal is to develop metal-catalyzed dehydrocoupling routes to polyaminoboranes, a novel class of inorganic polymeric materials that is isoelectronic with polyolefins. Polyiminoboranes, isolelectronic with polyacetylene, are also targeted. Of course, as with any fundamental research project, the most important developments are likely to be unforeseen at this stage. However, even now it is clear that the work ultimately offers the prospect of the development of new materials with potential uses and commercial applications. The work is therefore of potential benefit to UK.plc through industry, government labs and spin-outs (as well as to academic science, as discussed elsewhere). It is also envisaged that broad interdisciplinary scope of the project, which involves catalysis, molecular and polymer synthesis and the use of materials and property characterization techniques will give a postdoctoral worker exceptional training for their future career. This is likely to be in industry or government labs (or, as an alternative, academia). These employers and the postdoc will also therefore be substantial beneficiaries from the training provided by the proposed research. What will be done to ensure that they have the opportunity to benefit from this research? The research results will be reported in top scientific journals and at Universities, Industries, and conferences by Manners and the postdoc to be hired. Industrialists and government lab representatives are often present at meetings. Based on past experience, workshops may be an additional method of engaging industry and government labs. These can be organized at trivial cost in Bristol. The generation of intellectual property and spin-out company opportunities are realistic, particularly if new materials prove suitable as ceramic precursors or as piezoelectrics. Where relevant, patents will be filed before public disclosure of results by liaising with patent teams at Bristol University's Research, Enterprise and Development office. The postdoctoral worker trained by performing the proposed research is likely to find an excellent future position as Manners group has an excellent track record for training personnel for industry, academia, or other employment.