Ultraviolet stabilizing materials having a solublizing moiety

0001This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US72411800A" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Application Serial No. 09/724,118, filed November 28, 2000</text></patcit>, which is a continuation-in-part of <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US45404399A" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Application Serial No. 09/454,043, filed December 3,1999</text></patcit>, now <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US6262832B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,262,832</text></patcit>.

0002The present invention relates in general to ultraviolet stabilizing materials for use in electrochromic devices and, more particularly, to an ultraviolet stabilizing material associated with a solublizing moiety which serves to increase the solubility of the ultraviolet stabilizing material in an associated solvent relative to the same without such a solublizing moiety.

0003Electrochromic devices have been known in the art for several years. Furthermore, experimentation associated with the utilization of various ultraviolet stabilizing materials has also been explored. While the utilization of such ultraviolet stabilizing materials in devices such as electrochromic mirrors and windows has been identified, the solubility characteristics of many of these ultraviolet stabilizing materials remains problematic for commercial applications-especially where the particular device is routinely exposed to extreme climate variations. An ultraviolet stabilised composition with improved solubility is known from <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US5770114A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 5,770,114</text></patcit>. <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US5910854A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 5,910,854</text></patcit> discloses electrochromic polymeric solid films and associated manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, electrochromic materials with enhanced ultraviolet stability are known from US Patent No. <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US6195192B"><text>U.S. 6,195,192</text></patcit>.

0004It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an ultraviolet stabilizing material with a solublizing moiety that remedies the aforementioned detriments and/or complications associated with the incorporation of the above-identified ultraviolet stabilizing materials into a suitable electrochromic medium at an operatively acceptable concentration.

0005The present invention is directed to an electrochromic medium for use in an electrochromic device comprising: (a) at least one solvent; (b) an anodic material; (c) a cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; and (d) an ultraviolet stabilizing material, wherein the ultraviolet stabilizing material includes a an ultraviolet stabilizing material, wherein the ultraviolet stabilizing material includes a solubilizing moiety wherein the ultraviolet stabilizing material is represented by the following structure: <chemistry id="chem0001" num="0001"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0001.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R₁ is OH; wherein R₂-R₉ are the same or different and comprise H, OH, a halide, a direct bond to the ultraviolet stabilizing material or a straight or branched alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, arakyl, alkoxy, or carboxy group containing I to approximately 20 carbon atoms; and wherein at least one of R₂-R₉ includes a solubilizing moiety represented by at least one of the following structures: <chemistry id="chem0002" num="0002"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0002.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0003" num="0003"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0003.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0004" num="0004"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0004.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R₁₀-R₂₆ are the same or different and comprise H or a straight or branched alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, or aralkyl group containing 1 to approximately 10 carbon atoms; wherein m is an integer ranging from 1 to approximately 10; wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to approximately 20; wherein X of structures (I-VIII) and (X) are associated with the ultraviolet stabilizing material and are selected from the group comprising a direct bond, an alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, ether, or polyether chain containing approximately 1 to approximately 40 carbon atoms, a silyl or siloxyl chain containing approximately 1 to approximately 40 silicon atoms, one or more of structures I-X, and mixtures thereof; and wherein X of structure (IX) is a direct bond.

0006The present invention is also directed to an electrochromic device comprising: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; and (c) an electrochromic medium according to the present invention.

0007These and other objectives of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

0008The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

0009<figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> of the drawings is a cross-sectional schematic representation of an electrochromic device fabricated in accordance with the present invention.

0010Referring now to the drawings and to <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> in particular, a cross-sectional schematic representation of electrochromic device 100 is shown, which generally comprises first substrate 112 having front surface 112A and rear surface 112B, second substrate 114 having front surface 114A and rear surface 114B, and chamber 116 for containing electrochromic medium 124. It will be understood that electrochromic device 100 may comprise, for illustrative purposes only, a mirror, a window, a display device, a contrast enhancement filter, and the like. It will be further understood that <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> is merely a schematic representation of electrochromic device 100. As such, some of the components have been distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity. Indeed, numerous other electrochromic device configurations are contemplated for use, including those disclosed in <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US5818625A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 5,818,625</text></patcit> entitled "Electrochromic Rearview Mirror Incorporating A Third Surface Metal Reflector" and <patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="US343345A" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Application Serial No. 09/343,345</text></patcit> (US Publication No. <patcit id="pcit0009" dnum="US20020005977A1"><text>US2002/0005977 A1</text></patcit>) entitled "Electrode Design For Electrochromic Devices."

0011First substrate 112 may be fabricated from any one of a number of materials that are transparent or substantially transparent in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as, for example, borosilicate glass, soda lime glass, float glass, natural and synthetic polymeric resins, plastics, and/or composites including Topas&amp;commat; which is commercially available from Ticona of Summit, New Jersey. First substrate 112 is preferably fabricated from a sheet of glass having a thickness ranging from approximately 0.5 millimeters (mm) to approximately 12.7 mm. Of course, the thickness of the substrate will depend largely upon the particular application of the electrochromic device. While particular substrate materials have been disclosed, for illustrative purposes only, it will be understood that numerous other substrate materials are likewise contemplated for use - so long as the materials are at least substantially transparent and exhibit appropriate physical properties, such as strength, to be able to operate effectively in conditions of intended use. Indeed, electrochromic devices in accordance with the present invention can be, during normal operation, exposed to extreme temperature variation as well as substantial UV radiation, emanating primarily from the sun.

0012Second substrate 114 may be fabricated from similar materials as that of first substrate 112. However, if the electrochromic device is a mirror, then the requisite of substantial transparency is not necessary. As such, second substrate 114 may, alternatively, comprise polymers, metals, glass, and ceramics - to name a few. Second substrate 114 is preferably fabricated from a sheet of glass having a thickness ranging from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 12.7 mm. If first and second substrates 112 and 114, respectively, are fabricated from sheets of glass, then the glass can optionally be tempered, heat strengthened, and/or chemically strengthened, prior to or subsequent to being coated with layers of electrically conductive material (118 and 120).

0013One or more layers of electrically conductive material 118 are associated with rear surface 112B of first substrate 112. These layers serve as an electrode for the electrochromic device. Electrically conductive material 118 is desirably a material that: (a) is substantially transparent in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum; (b) bonds reasonably well to first substrate 112; (c) maintains this bond when associated with a sealing member; (d) is generally resistant to corrosion from materials contained within the electrochromic device or the atmosphere; and (e) exhibits minimal diffusion or specular reflectance as well as sufficient electrical conductance. It is contemplated that electrically conductive material 118 may be fabricated from fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO), for example TEC glass, which is commercially available from Libbey Owens-Ford-Co., of Toledo, Ohio, indium/tin oxide (ITO), doped zinc oxide or other materials known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

0014Electrically conductive material 120 is preferably associated with front surface 114A of second substrate 114, and is operatively bonded to electrically conductive material 118 by sealing member 122. As can be seen in <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, once bonded, sealing member 122 and the juxtaposed portions of electrically conductive materials 118 and 120 serve to define an inner peripheral geometry of chamber 116.

0015Electrically conductive material 120 may vary depending upon the intended use of the electrochromic device. For example, if the electrochromic device is a mirror, then the material may comprise a transparent conductive coating similar to electrically conductive material 118 (in which case a reflector is associated with rear surface 114B of second substrate 114). Alternatively, electrically conductive material 120 may comprise a layer of reflective material in accordance with the teachings of previously referenced <patcit id="pcit0010" dnum="US5818625A"><text>U. S. Patent No. 5,818, 625</text></patcit>. In this case, electrically conductive material 120 is associated with front surface 114A of second substrate 114. Typical coatings for this type of reflector include chromium, rhodium, ruthenium, silver, silver alloys, and combinations thereof.

0016Sealing member 122 may comprise any material that is capable of being adhesively bonded to the electrically conductive materials 118 and 120 to, in turn, seal chamber 116 so that electrochromic medium 124 does not inadvertently leak out of the chamber. As is shown in dashed lines in <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, it is also contemplated that the sealing member extend all the way to rear surface 112B and front surface 114A of their respective substrates. In such an embodiment, the layers of electrically conductive material 118 and 120 may be partially removed where the sealing member 122 is positioned. If electrically conductive materials 118 and 120 are not associated with their respective substrates, then sealing member 122 preferably bonds well to glass. It will be understood that sealing member 122 can be fabricated from any one of a number of materials including, for example, those disclosed in <patcit id="pcit0011" dnum="US4297401A"><text>U.S. Patent Nos.: 4,297, 401</text></patcit>; <patcit id="pcit0012" dnum="US4418102A"><text>4,418, 102</text></patcit>; <patcit id="pcit0013" dnum="US4695490A"><text>4,695, 490</text></patcit>; <patcit id="pcit0014" dnum="US5596023A"><text>5,596, 023</text></patcit>; <patcit id="pcit0015" dnum="US5596024A"><text>5,596, 024</text></patcit>; and <patcit id="pcit0016" dnum="US6157480A"><text>6,157, 480</text></patcit>.

0017For purposes of the present disclosure, electrochromic medium 124 comprises at least one solvent, an anodic material, a cathodic material, and an ultraviolet stabilizing material, wherein the ultraviolet stabilizing material includes a solublizing moiety which serves to increase solubility of the ultraviolet stabilizing material relative to the same without the solublizing moiety.

0018Typically both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of them is electrochromic. It will be understood that regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term "electroactive" will be defined herein as a material that undergoes a modification in its oxidation state upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. Additionally, it will be understood that the term "electrochromic" will be defined herein, regardless of its ordinary meaning, as a material that exhibits a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference.

0019Electrochromic medium 124 is preferably chosen from one of the following categories:

0020(1) Single-layer, single-phase - The electrochromic medium may comprise a single-layer of material which may include small non-homogenous regions and includes solution-phase devices where a material may be contained in solution in the ionically conducting electrolyte which remains in solution in the electrolyte when electrochemically oxidized or reduced. Solution phase electroactive materials may be contained in the continuous solution-phase of a gel medium in accordance with the teachings of <patcit id="pcit0017" dnum="US5928572A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 5,928, 572</text></patcit> entitled "Electrochromic Layer And Devices Comprising Same" and International Patent Application Serial No. <patcit id="pcit0018" dnum="US98105570W"><text>PCT/US98/105570</text></patcit> (<patcit id="pcit0019" dnum="WO9842796A"><text>WO98/42796</text></patcit>) entitled"Electrochromic Polymeric Solid Films, Manufacturing Electrochromic Devices Using Such Solid Films, And Processes For Making Such Solid Films And Devices".

0021More than one anodic and cathodic material can be combined to give a pre-selected color as described in <patcit id="pcit0020" dnum="US5998617A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 5,998,617</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0021" dnum="US6020987A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,020,987</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0022" dnum="US6037471A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6, 037,471</text></patcit>, <patcit id="pcit0023" dnum="US6141137A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,141,137</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0024" dnum="WO9844348A"><text>PCT Application Publication No. W098/44348</text></patcit>.

0022The anodic and cathodic materials may also be combined or linked by a bridging unit as described in International Application Serial No. <patcit id="pcit0025" dnum="EP9700498W"><text>PCT/EP97/00498</text></patcit> (<patcit id="pcit0026" dnum="WO9730134A"><text>WO97/30134</text></patcit>) entitled "Electrochromic System" The electrochromic materials can additionally include near infrared (NIR) absorbing compounds as described in <patcit id="pcit0027" dnum="US6193912B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,193,912</text></patcit>.

0023It is also possible to link anodic materials or cathodic materials by similar methods. The concepts described in these applications/patents can further be combined to yield a variety of electroactive materials that are linked or coupled, including linking of a redox buffer such as linking of a color-stabilizing moiety to an anodic and/or cathodic material.

0024The anodic and cathodic electrochromic materials can also include coupled materials as described in <patcit id="pcit0028" dnum="US6249369B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,249, 369</text></patcit> entitled "Coupled Electrochromic Compounds With Photostable Oxidation States."

0025The concentration of the electrochromic materials can be selected as taught in <patcit id="pcit0029" dnum="US6137620A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,137,620</text></patcit> entitled "Electrochromic Media With Concentration Enhanced Stability, Process For The Preparation Thereof, and Use In Electrochromic Devices."

0026Additionally, a single-layer, single-phase medium may include a medium where the anodic and cathodic materials are incorporated into a polymer matrix as is described in International Application Serial No. <patcit id="pcit0030" dnum="EP9803862W"><text>PCT/EP98/03862</text></patcit>. (<patcit id="pcit0031" dnum="WO9902621A"><text>WO99/02621</text></patcit>) entitled "Electrochromic Polymer System", and International Patent Application Serial No. <patcit id="pcit0032" dnum="US9805570W"><text>PCT/US98/05570</text></patcit> (<patcit id="pcit0033" dnum="WO9842796A"><text>WO98/42796</text></patcit>) entitled "Electrochromic Polymeric Solid Films, Manufacturing Electrochromic Devices Using Such Solid Films, And Processes For Making Such Solid Films And Devices."

0027(2) Multi-layer - the medium may be made up in layers and includes a material attached directly to an electrically conducting electrode or confined in close proximity thereto which remains attached or confined when electrochemically oxidized or reduced.

0028(3) Multi-phase - one or more materials in the medium undergoes a change in phase during the operation of the device, for example a material contained in solution in the ionically conducting electrolyte forms a layer on the electrically conducting electrode when electrochemically oxidized or reduced.

0029Conventional anodic materials may include any one of a number of materials including ferrocene, substituted ferrocenes, substituted ferrocenyl salts, substituted phenazines, phenothiazine, substituted phenothiazines, thianthrene, substituted thianthrenes. Examples of anodic materials may include di-tert-butyl-diethylferrocene, 5, 1 0-dimethyl-5, 10-dihydrophenazine, 3, 7, 10-trimethylphenothiazine, 2, 3, 7, 8-tetramethoxythianthrene, and 10-methylphenothiazine. It is also contemplated that the anodic material may comprise a polymer film, such as polyaniline, polythiophenes, polymeric metallocenes, or a solid transition metal oxide, including, but not limited to, oxides of vanadium, nickel, iridium, as well as numerous heterocyclic compounds, etcetera. It will be understood that numerous other anodic materials are contemplated for use including those disclosed in <patcit id="pcit0034" dnum="US4902108A"><text>U. S. Patent No. 4,902, 108</text></patcit> entitled "Single-Compartment, Self-Erasing, Solution-Phase Electrochromic Devices, Solutions For Use Therein, And Uses Thereof, "as well as <patcit id="pcit0035" dnum="US6188505B1"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,188,505 BI</text></patcit> entitled "Color-Stabilized Electrochromic Devices," and <patcit id="pcit0036" dnum="US054108A" dnum-type="L"><text>U. S. Application Serial No. 10/054,108</text></patcit> (US Publication No. <patcit id="pcit0037" dnum="US20020141032A"><text>US2002/0141032</text></patcit>) entitled "Controlled Diffusion Coefficient Electrochromic Materials For Use hi Electrochromic Mediums And Associated Electrochromic Devices."

0030Conventional cathodic materials may include, for example, viologens, such as methyl viologen tetrafluoroborate, octyl viologen tetrafluoroborate, or benzyl viologen tetrafluoroborate. It will be understood that the preparation and/or commercial availability for each of the above-identified cathodic materials is well known in the art. While specific cathodic materials have been provided, for illustrative purposes only, numerous other conventional cathodic materials are likewise contemplated for use including, but by no means limited to, those disclosed in previously referenced <patcit id="pcit0038" dnum="US4902108A"><text>U.S. Patent No. 4,902, 108</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0039" dnum="US054108A" dnum-type="L"><text>U.S. Application Serial No. 10/054,108</text></patcit> (US Publication No. <patcit id="pcit0040" dnum="US20020141032A"><text>US2002/0141032</text></patcit>) entitled "Controlled Diffusion Coefficient Electrochromic Materials For Use In Electrochromic Mediums And Associated Electrochromic Devices." Indeed, the only contemplated limitation relative to the cathodic material is that it should not adversely affect the electrochromic performance of the device 100. Moreover, it is contemplated that the cathodic material may comprise a polymer film, such as various substituted polythiophenes, polymeric viologens, an inorganic film, or a solid transition metal oxide, including, but not limited to, tungsten oxide.

0031For illustrative purposes only, the concentration of the anodic and cathodic materials can range from approximately 1 mM to approximately 500 mM and more preferably from approximately 2 mM to approximately 100 mM. While particular concentrations of the anodic as well as cathodic materials have been provided, it will be understood that the desired concentration may vary greatly depending upon the geometric configuration of the chamber containing electrochromic medium 124.

0032For purposes of the present disclosure, the solvent of electrochromic medium 124 may comprise any one of a number of common, commercially available solvents including 3-methylsulfolane, glutaronitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, acetonitrile, tetraglyme and other polyethers, alcohols such as ethoxyethanol, nitriles, such as 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 2--methylglutaronitrile, ketones including 2-acetylbutyrolactone, cyclopentanone, cyclic esters including beta-propiolactone, gamma-butyrolactone, gamma-valerolactone, propylene carbonate (PC), ethylene carbonate and homogenous mixtures of the same.

0033In addition, electrochromic medium 124 may comprise other materials, such as thermal stabilizers, antioxidants, thickeners, viscosity modifiers, tint providing agents, redox buffers, and mixtures thereof.

0034In accordance with the present invention, the electrochromic medium also comprises one or more ultraviolet stabilizing materials which are associated with a solubilizing moiety. For purposes of the present disclosure, the ultraviolet stabilizing material includes substituted benzotriazoles represented by the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0005" num="0005"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0005.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R₁ is OH; wherein R₂-R₉ are the same or different and comprise H, OH, a halide, a direct bond to the ultraviolet stabilizing material or a straight or branched alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, arakyl, alkoxy, or carboxy group containing 1 to approximately 20 carbon atoms; and wherein at least one of R₂-R₉ includes a solublizing moiety disclosed herein below.

0035As will be explained in greater detail and verified experimentally herein below, a solublizing moiety can be associated with one or more ultraviolet stabilizing materials which serves to materially increase the solubility of the associated material relative to the same without such a solublizing moiety. Such increased solubility is highly desirous, inasmuch as, for example, many ultraviolet stabilizing materials can exhibit problematic solubility (e.g. fogging, precipitation, phase separation, etcetera) in common, commercially available solvents - especially in cold temperatures.

0036The solublizing moiety may generally comprise phosphonium constituents, ammonium constituents, amides, ethers, and polyethers. The solublizing moiety according to the present invention is represented by one or more of the following formulae: <chemistry id="chem0006" num="0006"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0006.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0007" num="0007"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0007.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0008" num="0008"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0008.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R₁₀-R₂₆ are the same or different and comprise H or a straight or branched alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, or aralkyl group containing 1 to approximately 10 carbon atoms, wherein m is an integer ranging from 1 to approximately 10, wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to approximately 20, wherein X of structures (I-VIII) and (x) are to associated with the ultraviolet stabilizing material and are selected from the group comprising a direct bond, an alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, ether, or polyether chain containing approximately 1 to approximately 40 carbon atoms, a silyl or siloxyl chain containing approximately 1 to approximately 40 silicon atoms, one or more of structures I-X, and mixtures thereof; and wherein X of structure (IX) is a direct bond.

0037Although not shown, it will be understood that many of the solublizing moieties comprise ionic constituents which are associated with balancing counter ions such as anions including halides, trifluoromethanesulfonate, bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide, tetrafluoroborate, tetraphenylborate, hexafluorophosphate, or other similar anions.

0038Electrochromic devices having as a component part an above-identified ultraviolet stabilizing material can be used in a wide variety of applications wherein, under normal operation, the transmitted or reflected light can be modulated - the skill of which is well known in the art. Such devices include rear-view mirrors for vehicles; windows for the exterior of a building, home or vehicle; skylights for buildings including tubular light filters; windows in office or room partitions; display devices; contrast enhancement filters for displays; light filters for photographic devices and light sensors; and indicators for power cells as well as primary and secondary electrochemical cells.

0039The electrochromic media of the present invention utilize many different ultraviolet stabilizing materials which, for purposes of clarification, are provided herein below showing their structures and chemical names and the abbreviations used herein in order to alleviate any ambiguity in discussing same. The preparation and/or commercially available sources are provided herein, unless the material is well known in the art. It will be understood that, unless specified otherwise, the starting reagents or ultraviolet stabilizing materials are commercially available from Aldrich Chemical Co., of Milwaukee, WI, Ciba-Geigy Corp., and/or other common chemical suppliers. <chemistry id="chem0009" num="0009"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0009.tif" /></chemistry>

Synthesis of TP1

0040TP1 was prepared by refluxing 50 g (0.1 mol) of Tinuvin 384 and 1.0 g of <i>p</i>-toluenesulfonic acid in 133 ml (30 eq.) of methanol for 24 hours. The resulting mixture was cooled to room temperature to precipitate the product which, in turn, was collected by filtration. The solid was washed with methanol and dried to give 36 g (92% yield) of 3-[3-(2H-benzotrlazole-2-yl)-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxybenzene] propionic acid methyl ester.

004136 g of 3-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxybenzene] propionic acid methyl ester was dissolved in 100 ml of toluene and heated to reflux to azeotropically remove the residual methanol. Reflux was continued until the temperature reached 110°C. To the toluene solution was added 32 ml (4 eq.) of 2-methoxy-ethanol and 1.0 g of <i>p</i>-toluenesulfonic acid. The solution was heated to 108°C and the condensed methanol was removed from the reaction by use of a Dean-Stark condenser. Completion of the reaction required 24 to 48 hours. The reaction was then quenched by addition of 100 ml of water to the reaction mixture followed by three water washes. After separating the layers, the water layer was discarded, and the solvent was removed from the organic layer via rotary evaporation. 200 ml of methanol was then added and the mixture was allowed to reach room temperature. Finally, the mixture was filtered and the solid was washed with methanol to yield 35 g of TP1 (81%) as a white solid. <chemistry id="chem0010" num="0010"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0010.tif" /></chemistry>

Synthesis of TP2

0042TP2 was prepared by first preparing 3-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxybenzene] propionic acid methyl ester in accordance with the synthesis of TP1.

004336 g of 3-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxybenzene] propionic acid methyl ester was then dissolved in 100 ml of toluene and heated to reflux to azeotropically remove the residual methanol. Reflux was continued until the temperature reached 110°C. To the toluene solution was added 18 ml (1.3 eq.) of 2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-ethanol and 1.0 g of <i>p</i>-toluenesulfonic acid. The solution was heated to 108°C and the condensed methanol was removed from the reaction by use of a Dean-Stark condenser. Completion of the reaction required 24 to 48 hours. The reaction was then quenched by addition of 100 ml of water to the reaction mixture followed by three water washes. After separating the layers, the water layer was discarded, and the solvent was removed from the organic layer via rotary evaporation. 200 ml of methanol was then added and the mixture was allowed to reach room temperature. Finally, the mixture was filtered and the solid was washed with ethanol to yield 7 g of TP2 (15%) as a white solid. <chemistry id="chem0011" num="0011"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0011.tif" /></chemistry>

Synthesis of TP3

0044TP3 was prepared by first preparing 3-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxybenzene] propionic acid methyl ester in accordance with the synthesis of TP1.

004525 g of 3-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxybenzene] propionic acid methyl ester was dissolved in 100 ml of toluene and heated to reflux to azeotropically remove the residual methanol. Reflux was continued until the temperature reached 110°C. To the toluene solution was added 20 ml (2.9 eq.) of 2-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethanol and 0.5 g of <i>p</i>-toluenesulfonic acid. The solution was heated to 108°C and the condensed methanol was removed from the reaction by use of a Dean-Stark condenser. Completion of the reaction required 24 to 48 hours. The reaction was then quenched by addition of 100 ml of water to the reaction mixture followed by three water washes. After separating the layers, the water layer was discarded, and the solvent was removed from the organic layer via rotary evaporation. 200 ml of methanol was then added and the mixture was allowed to reach room temperature. Finally, the mixture was filtered and the solid was washed with ethanol to yield 19.4 g of TP3 (57%) as a light yellow solid. <chemistry id="chem0012" num="0012"><img file="EP1540413B1_D0012.tif" /></chemistry>

Synthesis of TPEG

0046TPEG was prepared by first preparing 3-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxybenzene] propionic acid methyl ester in accordance with the synthesis of TP1.

004722 g of 3-[3-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxybenzene] propionic acid methyl ester was dissolved in 100 ml of toluene and heated to reflux to azeotropically remove the residual methanol. Reflux was continued until the temperature reached 110°C. To the toluene solution was added 78 ml (3.2 eq.) of HO(CH₂CH₂O)_nCH₃ (wherein n is approximately 7.5) and 0.5 g ofp-toluenesulfonic acid. The solution was heated to 108°C and the condensed methanol was removed from the reaction by use of a Dean-Stark condenser. Completion of the reaction required 24 to 48 hours. The reaction was then quenched by addition of 100 ml of water to the reaction mixture followed by three water washes. After separating the layers, the water layer was discarded, and the solvent was removed from the organic layer via rotary evaporation. 70 ml of ethanol was then added and the mixture was allowed to reach room temperature. The product did not solidify, so the solvent was removed via rotary evaporation to give approximately 41 g of crude TPEG (96%) as an oil.

0048In support of the present invention, several experiments were conducted wherein the solubility characteristics of ultraviolet stabilizing materials comprising solublizing moieties, as disclosed herein, were compared to ultraviolet stabilizing materials void of such moieties.

0049In the experiments below, the ultraviolet stabilizing materials were dissolved at known concentrations in at least one of a gelled fluid (Experiment 1), and 3% poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in PC (Experiment 2) whereupon their comparative solubilities were determined based on the length of time each of the ultraviolet stabilizing materials of differing concentrations remained in solution before forming a precipitate. The experiments were performed at -40°C. It should be noted that while substantial care was taken during the experiments to ensure analytical precision and accuracy, minor deviations from absolute values may have been realized due to small changes in ambient temperature and/or atmospheric pressure. Nevertheless, inasmuch as the materials prepared in accordance with the present invention exhibited increased solubility by several factors, the effect of such minor temperature and/or pressure deviations upon the solubility characteristics of the materials is immaterial.

Experiment No. 1

0050<tables id="tabl0001" num="0001"><table frame="all"><tgroup cols="3"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="47mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="33mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="67mm" /><thead><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col3" align="center" valign="top">Low Temperature Solubility in a Gelled Fluid</entry></row><row><entry>Ultraviolet Stabilizing Material</entry><entry align="center">Concentration (mM)</entry><entry align="center">Time Before Precipitate Formation (at -40°C)</entry></row></thead><tbody><row><entry valign="bottom">Pentyl Ester of Tinuvin 384</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">25</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">120 h</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">Pentyl Ester of Tinuvin 384</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">30</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">96 h</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">Pentyl Ester of Tinuvin 384</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">35</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">72 h</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP1</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">25</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP1</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">30</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP1</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">35</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP3</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">25</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP3</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">30</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP3</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">35</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP3</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">140</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TPEG*</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">500</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row></tbody></tgroup><tgroup cols="3" rowsep="0"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="47mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="33mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="67mm" /><tbody><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col3" align="justify">*The TPEG was introduced into a fluid which was compositionally the same as the remainder of the above-identified ultraviolet stabilizing materials, however, without gel formation.</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0051In this experiment TP1, TP3, and TPEG comprised ultraviolet stabilizing materials having a solublizing moiety which materially increases solubility of the same in a gelled fluid which was prepared in accordance with the teaching of U.S. Application Serial No. 09/940,944 entitled "Electrochromic Medium Having a Self-Healing CrossLinked Polymer Gel and Associated Electrochromic Device" which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In particular, the gelled fluid reagents comprised 0.2% hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer (HDT); 2.0% 1/10 hydroxyethylmethacrylate/methyl acrylate (HEMA/MA), 27mM of 5,10-dimethyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine, 32mM of octyl viologen tetrafluoroborate, 0.5mM each of two color-stabilizing additives, 14ppm dibutyltin diacetate (DBTDA), and PC. The electrochromic medium was crosslinked prior to initiation of low temperature solubility testing. The color-stabilizing additives utilized were incorporated according to the teachings of <patcit id="pcit0041" dnum="US6188505B1"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,188,505 B1</text></patcit>. As can be seen from the data collected in this experiment, TP1, TP3, and TPEG each exhibited materially increased solubility relative to the pentyl ester of Tinuvin 384. In particular, the pentyl ester of Tinuvin 384 precipitated out of solution after only 72 and 120 hours at concentrations of 35 and 25mM, respectively. In comparison, both TP1 and TP3 at concentrations of 25, 30, and 35mM remained in solution after over 240 hours when the experiment was stopped. In addition, TP3 and TPEG at concentrations of 140mM and 500mM, respectively, remained in solution after over 165 hours when the experiment was stopped. It will be understood that the above-identified experiments were stopped after observing that after more than one week of testing, the materials provided no visual indication of any precipitate formation, therefore, rendering the experiments complete.

Experiment No. 2

0052<tables id="tabl0002" num="0002"><table frame="all"><tgroup cols="3"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="46mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="34mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="66mm" /><thead><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col3" align="center" valign="top">Low Temperature Solubility in 3% PMMA in PC</entry></row><row><entry>Ultraviolet Stabilizing Material</entry><entry align="center">Concentration (mM)</entry><entry align="center">Time Before Precipitate Formation (at -40°C)</entry></row></thead><tbody><row><entry valign="bottom">TP1</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">30</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP1</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">40</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">216 h</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP1</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">50</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">96 h</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP2</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">50</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP2</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">65</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">72 h</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP2</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">80</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">48 h</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP2</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">100</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">24 h</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP2</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">150</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">4 h</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP3</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">100</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">No precipitate formation</entry></row><row><entry valign="bottom">TP3</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">150</entry><entry align="center" valign="bottom">24 h</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

0053In this experiment, TP1, TP2, and TP3 each comprised an ultraviolet stabilizing material having a solublizing moiety which materially increases solubility of the same in a 3% PMMA in PC solution. As can be seen from the data collected in this experiment, TP1, TP2, and TP3 at respective concentrations of 30, 50, and 100mM remained in solution after at least 216, 264, and 240 hours, respectively, when the experiment was stopped. In addition, while 50mM TP1 remained in solution for 96 hours, 50mM TP2 was able to remain in solution for more than eleven days. Furthermore, while 100mM TP2 remained in solution for 24 hours, 100mM TP3 was able to remain in solution for more than ten days. It will be understood that the above-identified experiments were stopped after observing that after more than one week of testing, the materials provided no visual indication of any precipitate formation, therefore, rendering the experiments complete. Therefore, this experiment demonstrates that benzotriazoles comprising longer chains of oligo-ether esters as solublizing moieties are able to substantially improve the solubilities of ultraviolet stabilizing materials.

0054In summary, Experiment Nos. 1-2 verify that, indeed, an ultraviolet stabilizing material that exhibits problematic solubility characteristics can become acceptably soluble with the addition of solubilizing moieties in accordance with the present invention. Such an increase in solubility can be especially beneficial for electrochromic devices that are routinely exposed to extreme weather conditions inasmuch as cold temperatures can substantially, adversely affect the solubility characteristics of an associated anodic electrochromic material.

0055While the invention has been described in detail herein in accordance with certain preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and changes therein may be effected by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is our intent to be limited only by the scope of the appending claims and not by way of details and instrumentalities describing the embodiments shown herein.