Synthesis of dibenzo[A,I]carbozole monomer as new materials for wrapping carbon nanotubes

• Main Author: Heng, Chang Loo.
• Other Authors: Lu Xuehong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Functional and smart materials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/35684
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Dibenzocarbazoles have been investigated as a possible polymer candidate for the functionalization of carbon nanotubes. Due to its high aspect ratio, strong Van der Waals forces exist between the carbon nanotubes, therefore affecting their solubilising properties. Functionalization of carbon nanotubes is a methodology to improve its dispersion in solvents. In this project, the method to efficiently synthesise dibenzocarbazole is being determined. 1-naphthylamine is coupled with 1-bromonapthalene through Buchwald-Hartwig reaction to form 1,1’-dinaphthylamine. This molecule undergoes aromatic bromination, alkylation and finally ring closure reaction to form the final product, the dibenzocarbazole monomer. An alternative route is also investigated. 1,1’-dinaphthylamine first undergoes ring closure, followed by alkylation then aromatic bromination. Experiments have been carried out based on these two synthesis paths and results were analysed.