AbstractsChemistry

??-diketones are a family of compounds that are famous for their interesting chemical and physical properties, in addition to their keto-enol tautomerism. The simplest aliphatic ??-diketone is known as acetylacetone (Hacac, 2,4-pentanedione), which forms strongly-bound complexes with multiple metal cations (alkali and transition metals). This strong complexation allows bis-(??-diketones) to be monomers for the synthesis of coordination polymers. The goal is to explore the best methods to prepare bis-(??-diketones) in large scale for the future synthesis of coordination polymers. Percent yield, ease of synthesis (one step synthesis), product purity and versatility of derivatives have been considered as criteria for ideal monomers. The following synthetic routes have been explored to prepare the bis-(??-diketones): (1) condensation of Hacac and formaldehyde produces 3,5-diacetyl-2,6-heptanedione (H2L1); (2) 3,5-diacetyl-4-phenyl-2,6-heptanedione (H2L2) was synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde and Hacac; (3) the crossed Claisen condensation of a ketone and an ester has been adopted to prepare 1,4-bis-(3-phenyl-3-oxopropionyl)benzene (H2L3); finally, (4) reaction of leucoquinizarin and butyraldehyde produces 2-butylquinizarin (H2L4) through aldol condensation. This aldol condensation is an efficient route giving high percent yield. Advisors/Committee Members: Klavetter, Floyd (advisor), Stieber, S. Chantal E. (committee member).