Synthesis and characterization of cubane polyamides

Cubylamines and cubylmethylamines are of interest as antiviral agents. Reli able syntheses of some polyamides with cubane as the backbone of a polymer chain are described. Two monomers of cubane, cubane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid ( CDA) and 1,4-diaminocubane (DAC), are used. Polymerizations of DAC, 1,6-hex amethylene diamine and 1,4-diaminobenzene with cubane-1,4-dicarbonyl chlori de, adipoyl chloride and terephthaloyl chloride to obtain polyamides are di scussed. The polymers were characterized by FTIR, H-1 NMR and C-13 NMR spectroscopie s. Characterization of the prepared polyamides by TGA and DSC show a highly exothermic peak above 200 degrees C. Hydrolysis of polyamides containing D AC were carried out in dialysis bags containing an aqueous buffer solution (pH 8) at 37 degrees C. Detection of the hydrolysis product by UV spectrosc opy showed that DAC was released by the hydrolysis of the amide bonds in th e polymer chain. (C) 2000 Society of Chemical Industry.