Abstract

This thesis begins an investigation into how trans (E) and cis (Z) backbone configurations of polynorbornene influence the material properties of a bottlebrush gel. Sidechain and crosslinker monomers were synthesized through this research by functionalizing norbornene anhydride with polyethylene glycol (PEG) amine derivatives in preparation for ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and subsequent bottlebrush analysis. A majority of this work focused on developing the synthetic procedure for both monomers and improving reaction yields, as well as identifying the next steps towards measuring the influence of backbone E/Z-specificity for bottlebrush gels going forward. In this work, I discuss norbornene sidechain and crosslinker monomer synthesis, their purification, and characterization. I also discuss their role in bottlebrush architecture with the goal of determining how backbone stereochemistry affects the macro properties of a gel.

Advised by Prof. Spencer Brucks (HMC Chemistry).