Asymmetric aryl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (ArPOSS) with enhanced solubility

Four new asymmetric Polyhedral Oligomeric SilSesquioxanes (POSS) with the formula (Aryl)Phenyl7Si8O12, where Aryl = 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 9-phenanthrenyl, and 1-pyrenyl, have been synthesized in reasonable yield and high purity. These compounds were characterized with 1H, 13C, 29Si NMR and elemental combustion analysis. These compounds possess polycyclic aromatic functionality, which disrupts symmetry to improve solubility in organic solvents and aromatic polymers, without significant impact on thermal stability.

Optical micrograph of solution cast Aryl POSS in polyetherimide on a glass slide.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Four asymmetric ArPOSS compounds have been synthesized and fully characterized.
► ArPOSS compounds display an increased solubility in organic solvents.
► Compared to symmetric octaphenyl POSS these compounds offer improved miscibility with aromatic polymers.
► Asymmetric ArPOSS compounds maintained comparative thermal stability to commercially available analogs and superior properties to aliphatic functionalized POSS.