| In Chapter I, a new route to make the conducting polymeric films adhered on the surface of a non-conducting substrate was discussed. Several N-substituted pyrrole monomers which have a pyrrole unit, a tether and a pendant group have been designed and synthesized. Those monomers were used to treat the surface of the non-conducting substrate and copolymerized with free pyrrole monomers. A highly conducting smooth black film, strongly adhered on the non-conducting surface was obtained. This new technology could lead to application of electrically conducting polypyrrole, as EMI-RFI shielding, antistatic coatings and in electric printed circuits.; Koble-Schmitt process for the carboxylation of aromatic alcohols was reviewed in Chapter II. This review focused on several aspects of the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction. Factors influencing the yield and isomer distribution of the Koble-Schmitt reaction were described.; In Chapter III, a more cost effective route for the production of hydroxy aromatic carboxylic acids, such as p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, were discussed. It was demonstrated that by using fluoride ion and high pressure carbon dioxide, phenol and 2-naphthol have been successfully carboxylated to form the desired p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, respectively. The important variables, such as temperature, molar ratio of fluoride ion to the substrate, reaction time, etc. have been identified. The result of this research demonstrates a potentially promising route of direct carboxylation reactions.; Phase transfer catalyzed autoxidation of p-xylene was discussed in Chapter IV. Preliminary results has shown that in the absence of cobalt catalyst, p-toluic acid was produced as the major product. Reaction in the presence of cobalt will be explored in the second stage of the research. Systematic study of all the variables such as temperature, pressure, type of phase transfer catalyst, and amount of each reagent will be carried out in order to obtain the optimal conditions for the production of terephthalic acid. |
