Synthesis of 2,5-(4-alkoxybenzoyloxy)benzyl acrylates and cinnamates, monomers for side chain liquid crystal polymers

Abstract

A variety of 2,5-(4-alkoxybenzoyloxy)benzyl acrylates and cinnamates, which can serve as monomers for side chain liquid crystal polymers, were readily synthesized from hydroquinone. Instead of the rare and expensive 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, cheaper and readily available hydroquinone was employed as starting material in our new method. Hazardous reagents, such as highly flammable BH3.THF employed in the reported literature, were excluded as well. Our new method uses cheaper starting materials and chemicals, which are easier to handle with less safety issues. A variety of 2,5-(4-alkoxybenzoyloxy)benzyl acrylates and cinnamates, which can serve as monomers for side chain liquid crystal polymers, were readily synthesized from hydroquinone. Instead of the rare and expensive 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, cheaper and readily available hydroquinone was employed as starting material in our new method. Hazardous reagents, such as highly flammable BH3.THF employed in the reported literature, were excluded as well. Our new method uses cheaper starting materials and chemicals, which are easier to handle with less safety issues.