Abstract: The manufacture of polyetherquinoxalines may be accomplished by polymerization of quinoxaline and related monomers with a bisphenol under aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction conditions. A method of manufacture includes contacting a substituted or unsubstituted quinoxaline having replaceable groups at the 2,3 positions with a bisphenol or a bisphenol derivative under aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction conditions. The resulting polyetherquinoxalines contain quinoxaline groups joined by ether linkages at the 2 and 3 positions of the quinoxaline groups. In one example, the polyetherquinoxaline has a formula represented as wherein “n” is an integer from 1 to 10000, and R1, R2, R3, R4 are independently hydrogen, methyl, CF3, tert-butyl, benzoyl, benzenesulfonyl, a sulfonic acid salt, an aliphatic group, an alicyclic group, or an aryl group, and Ar is an aromatic radical.

Abstract: An oligomer having di-phenylethynyl endcaps is disclosed. The capped oligomer has the formula: D-A-D wherein D is a di-phenylethynyl endcap; and A is an oligomer selected from the group consisting of imidesulfone; ether; ethersulfone; amide; imide; ester; estersulfone; etherimide; amideimide; oxazole; oxazole sulfone; thiazole; thiazole sulfone; imidazole; and imidazole sulfone.

Abstract: A diol from which a resin material having high processability and a high refractive index can be manufactured, a polycarbonate resin and a polyester resin which is a polymer of the diol, and a molded article and an optical element formed of the polymer. The diol is represented by the general formula (1) shown below; the polycarbonate resin and the polyester resin are polymers thereof; and the molded article and the optical element are formed of the polymers, wherein R1 and R2 each independently denote one of a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms; Q denotes one of an oxyethylene group, a thioethylene group and a single bond.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wholly aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester consisting of the repeating units represented by formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV): wherein: the molar proportion of the repeating unit represented by formula (I) based on the total repeating units constituting the wholly aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester is 40-80 mol %; the molar ratio of the total amount of the repeating units represented by formulae (II) and (III) to the repeating unit represented by formula (IV) is from 90/100 to 100/90; the molar proportion of the repeating unit represented by formula (II) based on the total amount of the repeating units represented by formulae (II) and (III) is 80-99.9 mol%; and the two “—O—” attached to the benzene ring in formula (III) are positioned meta or para to each other and “Ar” in formula (IV) represents a bivalent aromatic group.

Abstract: A composition of matter for a recording medium in atomic force data storage devices. The composition includes one or more poly(aryl ether ketone) copolymers, each of the one or more poly(aryl ether ketone) copolymers including (a) a first monomer including an aryl ether ketone and (b) a second monomer including an aryl ether ketone and a hydrogen bonding cross-linking moiety, the moiety capable of forming two or more hydrogen bonds at room temperature, each of the one or more poly(aryl ether ketone) copolymers having two terminal ends, each terminal end having a phenylethynyl moiety. The covalent and hydrogen bonding cross-linking of the poly(aryl ether ketone) oligomers may be tuned to match thermal and force parameters required in read-write-erase cycles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aromatic branched polycarbonate, produced via melt transesterification of a bisphenol with a diaryl carbonate in the presence of a branching agent, wherein the aromatic branched polycarbonate comprises branching point structures and structures of formula (D) wherein X is a single bond, C1- to C6-alkylene, C2- to C5-alkylidene or C5- to C6-cycloalkylidene, optionally substituted by C1- to C6-alkyl; wherein the amount of D in the aromatic branched polycarbonate is in the range of from 5 to 450 mg per kg of the aromatic branched polycarbonate; and wherein the ratio of the total branching point structures to the total structures of the formula D in the aromatic branched polycarbonate is in the range of from 8 to 200.

Abstract: A method for forming a polyimide composite article utilizes a polyimide resin system including at least a first prepolymer component and a second prepolymer component. A preform structure is tackified with the first prepolymer component. Using resin infusion or resin transfer molding techniques, the tackified preform structure is contacted with the second prepolymer component. The polyimide resin system is cured under suitable cure conditions so that the first and second prepolymer components mix and react to produce the polyimide composite structure.

Abstract: A method for the production of a functionalized polytriazole polymer, particularly a poly(1,2,4-triazole)-polymer, includes the steps of (a) mixing a hydrazine salt, particularly hydrazine sulfate, with at least an aromatic and/or heteroaromatic dicarboxylic acid and/or at least a dicarboxylic acid derivate in polyphosphoric acid and if necessary further components for obtaining a solution; (b) heating the solution in a protective gas atmosphere for obtaining polyhydrazides and adding aromatic and/or heteroaromatic primary amines to the solution; and (c) precipitating a polymer. If necessary, neutralization in a basic solution may be carried out.

Abstract: This invention relates to the polymerisation of five-, six- or seven-membered cyclic carbonates by ring-opening polymerisation in the presence of a system comprising a metal salt such as triflate, triflimidate, acetylacetonate or carboxylate and an alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing relatively insoluble bisimides under conditions which afford high imidization reaction rates and which permit the monitoring and adjustment of reactant stoichiometry at any stage of the reaction. The bisimides provided by the present invention are prepared either by reaction of a diamine such as 4,4?-diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) with an anhydride, for example 3-chlorophthalic anhydride (3-ClPA) in the presence of a solvent at a pressure greater than one atmosphere and at a temperature above the normal boiling point of the solvent, or by reaction of a monoamine with a dianhydride under the same conditions. In one embodiment, the relatively insoluble product bisimides provided by the present invention have a solubility in ortho-dichlorobenzene of less than about 10 percent by weight at a temperature of about 180° C.

Abstract: Compounds VB of the formula (I) or (II), said compounds being particularly suitable as curing agents for epoxide resins. The compounds can be produced easily and rapidly. They can be used in the form of aqueous curing agents and form stabile aqueous emulsions in particular. This facilitates the formulation of ECC compounds for use primarily as coatings.

Abstract: A poly(phthalazinone sulfone) composition for molded articles having such characteristics as high temperature resistance, good electrical properties, good chemical and solvent resistance and toughness consists essentially of a polymer of formula (I): ?Cp-Z?x?A-Z?y??(I) wherein Z is a bisphenyl sulfone moiety of formula: (II): A is a phthalazinone moiety of formula (III): Cp is A, as defined above, or a biphenol moiety of formula (IV): x is an integer of at least 1; y is an integer of at least 1; and x+y=n, where n is an integer such that the polymer has a weight average molecular weight of about 20,000 to about 170,000, the composition comprising less than 5%, by weight, of low molecular weight oligomers; and having a glass transition temperature (Tg) from 225 to 305° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are enamel varnish compositions for an enamel wire and an enamel wire using the same. The present invention relates to enamel varnish compositions for an enamel wire in which a polymeric resin component is included in an organic solvent, wherein the polymeric resin component includes a first polyamideimide resin, presented in the Chemistry FIG. 1; and a second resin having polyamideimide in which a triazine ring is introduced into a major chain. The enamel wire, in which such a coating pigment composition is applied to the innermost insulated coating layer contacted with the conducting wire, shows the increased adhesivity of the insulated coating layer to the conducting wire without forming an additional bonding layer, as well as the excellent physical properties such as the wear resistance and flexibility, etc.

Abstract: The benefits of liquid crystal polymers and polyetherimides are combined in an all-aromatic thermoplastic liquid crystalline polyetherimide. Because of the unique molecular structure, all-aromatic thermotropic liquid crystal polymers exhibit outstanding processing properties, excellent barrier properties, low solubilities and low coefficients of thermal expansion in the processing direction. These characteristics are combined with the strength, thermal, and radiation stability of polyetherimides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a macro-photoinitiator comprising a photoinitiator covalently bound to a polymer. Also disclosed herein is a process for the enzymatic polymerization of monomers and photoinitiators performed at atmospheric pressure and relatively low temperatures to form the macro-photoinitiator.

Abstract: The invention provides novel flame-retardant polymers and materials, their synthesis and use. More particularly, the flame-retardant polymers are deoxybenzoin-derived polymers.

Abstract: Polycarbonate compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a polycarbonate polymer (A) having repeating units derived from 2-phenyl-3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)phthalimidine (PPPBP); a polycarbonate polymer (B) which is different from polymer (A); an impact modifier (C) which is different from polymer (A) and polymer (B); and talc filler (D). The resulting composition has an improved combination of properties, particularly heat resistance, low temperature impact performance, and viscosity.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel Mannich bases which are produced by using at least one phenolic compound of formula (I): formaldehyde, and at least one polyamine. Also disclosed is a two-step method for producing Mannich bases, by means of which low viscous Mannich bases are obtained.

Abstract: Deoxybenzoin-phosphonate and other copolymer compounds, compositions and related methods.

Abstract: Poly(orthoester) polymers, and methods of making and using such poly(orthoester) polymers are provided. The poly(orthoester) polymers can be useful for applications including, for example, medical devices and pharmaceutical compositions. In a preferred embodiment, the poly(orthoester) polymers are biodegradable.

Abstract: A polyol compound for photoresists has at least one aliphatic group and at least one aromatic group bound to each other alternately, in which the aromatic group has at least one aromatic ring and two or more hydroxyl groups bound to the aromatic ring. The polyol compound for photoresists can be prepared through an acid-catalyzed reaction, such as a Friedel-Crafts reaction, between an aliphatic polyol and an aromatic polyol. The aliphatic polyol is preferably an alicyclic polyol. The aromatic polyol is preferably hydroquinone. By protecting phenolic hydroxyl group(s) thereof with a protecting group capable of leaving with an acid, the polyol compound for photoresists gives a compound for photoresists. A photoresist composition containing this compound can form a resist pattern which shows less line edge roughness (LER), excels in resolution and etching resistance, and is fine and sharp.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel mono-, oligo- and polymeric compounds comprising thienothiazole groups, to their use as semiconductors or charge transport materials, in optical, electro-optical or electronic devices, and to optical, electro-optical or electronic devices comprising the novel compounds.

Abstract: Polyether polymers, such as polyetherimides, are prepared by the reaction of a dihydroxy-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon alkali metal salt, such as bisphenol A disodium salt, with a bis(N-(chlorophthalimido))aromatic compound, such as 1,3- and/or 1,4-bis(N-(4-chlorophthalimido))benzene, in a solvent such as o-dichlorobenzene and in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst such as a hexaalkylguanidinium chloride. Several embodiments may be employed to improve the method. They comprise employing substantially dry reagents, employing a high solids level in solvent, beginning with an excess of bis(N-(chlorophthalimido))-aromatic compound and incrementally adding alkali metal salt, employing alkali metal salt of small particle size, and using reagents of high purity.

Abstract: A telechelic polymer composition comprising a telechelic polymer having phenolic hydroxyl groups at both ends and having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 10,000, and a compound having a benzoxazine ring structure or a compound having a naphthoxazine ring structure.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion comprises: (A) water; (B) a polymeric material of a type which includes: (a) phenyl moieties; (b) carbonyl and/or sulphone moieties; and (c) ether and/or thioether moieties; (C) a surface active agent which includes a carbonyl or sulphone moiety and a hydrophilic group. Preferred embodiments relate to polyketones in combination with surfactants which are alkyl sulphosuccinates.

Abstract: A phenolic novolak having the contents of a monomeric phenol and a dimeric phenol and a degree of dispersion controlled can be obtained in high yield by a process for production of a phenolic novolak having a step of conducting a heterogeneous reaction of a phenol and an aldehyde in the presence of a phosphoric acid and an unreactive oxygen-containing organic solvent as a reaction cosolvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel polyimide silicone having an alcoholic hydroxyl group and a process for the preparation thereof. The polyimide of the invention having a primary alcoholic hydroxyl group is represented by the following general formula (1), wherein X represents a tetravalent organic group, Y represents a divalent group having at least one monovalent group selected from the group consisting of a phenolic hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group, with at least one being a divalent organic group having an alcoholic hydroxyl group, Z represents a divalent organic group, W represents a divalent organic group having an organosiloxane structure, k is a positive number, and each of m and n is equal to 0 (zero) or a positive number, with 0.1?k/(k+m+n)?1, 0?m/(k+m+n)?0.8, 0?n/(k+m+n)?0.8.

Abstract: Novel ether-ketone-imide hyperbranched polymers with thermally reactive ethynyl endgroups were prepared from the corresponding AB2 monomer and the respective benzophenone-based endcapping agents in one-pot fashion. The resulting polymer has repeating units of the formula: where the chain-end groups, Ar is a benzophenone with an ortho, a meta- or a para-ethynyl substituent.

Abstract: An anhydride and resorcinol latent catalyst system for a phenolic resole resin provides a resin having long pot life and long shelf life, yet cures quickly thereafter.

Abstract: Copolyetherimides compositions having high glass transition temperatures and outstanding ductility are presented. The copolyetherimides having Mw of at least 40,000 comprising isomeric bis(phthalimide) structural units within a relatively narrow range of isomer proportions exhibited Tgs of at least 240° C. and outstanding Notched Izod values. The copolyetherimides comprise oxydianiline residues and structural units of the formulas (I) and (II) (III).

Abstract: A compound of the formula (I) where the symbols and indices are each defined as follows: A is A?, R or O—R; where R is a straight-chain, branched or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic radical having 1-8 carbon atoms; A? is the same or different and is B is a bond, —O—C(O)—, —C(O)—O—, —O—C(O)—, —C(O)—NH—, —NH—C(O)—, —C(O)—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—O, —O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—O—(O)C—, —O—C(O)—O—, —O—C(O)—NH— or —NH—C(O)—O—; R1 is H or OH; m is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; Y is n is a positive rational number ?3; E is the same or different and is —CH—CHR2—, —CHR2—CH2—, —CH2—CHR2—O—, —O—CHR2—CH2—, —(CH2)r—O— or —O—(CH2)—; R2 is H or CH3 and r is 1 or 4, is suitable as a light-sensitive component for photoresists.

Abstract: A telechelic polymer composition comprising a telechelic polymer having phenolic hydroxyl groups at both ends and having a weight average molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 10,000, and a compound having a benzoxazine ring structure or a compound having a naphthoxazine ring structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer, having a high sensitivity, a high degree of resolution, a good pattern configuration after exposure, and in addition an excellent etching resistance, suitable as a base resin for a positive resist composition, especially for a chemically amplified positive resist composition; a positive resist composition using the polymer; and a patterning process. The positive resist composition of the present invention is characterized in that it contains at least, as a base resin, a polymer whose hydrogen atom of a phenolic hydroxide group is substituted by an acid labile group represented by the following general formula (1).

Abstract: An inexpensive and durable polyelectrolyte composition includes both an aromatic polymer containing carbonyl linkages and/or sulfonyl linkages in the backbone chain and bearing cation-exchange groups and a fused salt exhibits a high ionic conductivity even in the absence of water or a solvent. The aromatic polymer is preferably an aromatic polyether sulfone comprising specific structural units and bearing cation-exchange groups, an aromatic polyether ketone comprising specific structural units and bearing cation-exchange groups, an aromatic polyether sulfone block copolymer consisting of at least one hydrophilic segment bearing cation-exchange groups and at least one hydrophobic segment free from cation-exchange groups, and/or an aromatic polyether ketone block copolymer consisting of at least one hydrophilic segment bearing cation-exchange groups and at least one hydrophobic segment free from cation-exchange groups.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition comprises a sulfonate end-capped polycarbonate of formula: Z-S(O)2—O-(-L-)m-O—S(O)2-Z wherein each Z is independently an alkyl or aryl group, wherein -(-L-)m- is a polycarbonate linking group with m units of linking unit L, and wherein m is at least one. Methods of making the sulfonate end-capped polycarbonate and thermoplastic composition, and articles prepared therefrom, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer having hole transport functionality and antioxidant properties is disclosed. The polymer comprises a phenolic segment and a hole transport segment. The polymer is suitable for use in the charge transport layer of an imaging member. Processes for producing the polymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wholly aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester consisting of the repeating units represented by formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV): wherein: the molar proportion of the repeating unit represented by formula (I) based on the total repeating units constituting the wholly aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester is 40-80 mol %; the molar ratio of the total amount of the repeating units represented by formulae (II) and (III) to the repeating unit represented by formula (IV) is from 90/100 to 100/90; the molar proportion of the repeating unit represented by formula (II) based on the total amount of the repeating units represented by formulae (II) and (III) is 80-99.9 mol %; and the two “—O—” attached to the benzene ring in formula (III) are positioned meta or para to each other and “Ar” in formula (IV) represents a bivalent aromatic group.

Abstract: The process for preparation of a series of terpolymer derived from polyether ether sulphone and polyether ether ketone is carried out in a single set of manufacture device applying terpolymerization technology. To the terpolymer reactor, charging the organic solvent, that is sulfolane or diphenyl sulfone, and the total molar weights of the 4,4?-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone and difluorobenzophenone are more than that of hydroquinone by 0.1-1.0%, and the solid content in the solution is 15-35%; then charging xylene which is 10-20% by mass of organic solvent, and beginning stirring, after heated to 75-80, charging the alkali metal carbonate which is more than the hydroquinone by 1-5 mol %, keeping heating.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides ion conductive copolymers comprising (1) a plurality of first oligomers, (2) a plurality of second oligomers, (3) ion conductive monomers and (4) linking monomers. The oligomers preferably are hydrophobic and together with the ion conductive monomers are randomly dispersed between the linking monomers. Uses of such polymeric materials include the formation of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs), catalyst coated membranes (CCM's) and membrane electrolyte assemblies (MEA's) which may be used in fuel cells and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to sulfur-functionalized polymer gels and carbon gels, including aerogels, and such carbon gels containing platinum or metal nanoparticles. The platinum-containing gels may be useful as fuel-cell electrodes.

Abstract: Membranes comprising an aromatic ether ketone polymer (e.g. polyetherketone) in sheet or hollow fibre form are made by preparing at least a 12 wt % solution of the polymer in a solvent which is chemically inert to the polymer (e.g. concentrated sulphuric acid); forming a film of the solution in sheet or hollow form; and contacting the film with a non-solvent (e.g. more dilute sulphuric acid or acetic acid) thereby to precipitate the film.

Abstract: Novel polyethersulfone compositions have been discovered which incorporate structural subunits derived from sulfonated bis(halophenyl)sulfones, dihydroxy terphenyls, and/or bis(hydroxyphenyl)pyridines. The sulfonated polyethersulfones show promise as materials for use in polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) in fuel cells owing to their high proton conductivities (0.02-0.07 S/cm at 20° C. and 100 percent humidity). In addition, a novel unsulfonated thermoplastic polyethersulfone comprising structural subunits derived from a non-sulfonated bis(halophenyl)sulfone bis4-fluorophenyl)sulfone and 4,4?-dihydroxyphenyl-2,6-pyridine (CAS No. 171820-16-9) is disclosed.

Abstract: A sulfonated aromatic polyether ketone of the formula (II) [Ar—O—Ar?—CO—Ar?—O—Ar—CO—Ar?—CO—] ??(II) in which from 1% to 100% of the O-phenylene-CO units are substituted with an SO3M group and sulfonated and unsulfonated O-phenylene-CO units can be in any desired sequence with respect to one another, the radicals Ar, Ar? and Ar? independently of one another are substituted or unsubstituted 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-phenylene rings, and M, taking into account the ionic valencies, comprises one or more elements selected from the following group: H, NR4+, where R is H or C1-C4-alkyl, or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal or a metal from subgroup 8, and is preferably H, NR4+, Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe or Pt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorine compound having perfluorostyrene introduced at a terminal thereof, as represented in the following Formula 1, and a coating solution and an optical waveguide device using the same, characterized in that the introduction of perfluorostyrene results in a facile fabrication of thin films by a UV curing or a thermal curing, high thermal stability and chemical resistance, and low optical propagation loss and birefringence: Wherein Z is O or S; RF is an aliphatic or aromatic group; y is a natural number of 1–10; y? is an integer of 0–1; x is an integer of 0–200; and Wherein B is a single bond or selected from the group consisting of —CO—, —SO2—, —S— and —O—, and Hal is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br and I.

Abstract: A material for dielectric films is a polymerizable composition containing an organic solvent, and an adamantanepolycarboxylic acid derivative represented by following Formula (1): wherein X is hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group or R4; R1, R2, R3 and R4 and are each independently a protected or unprotected carboxyl group, etc.; and Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 are each independently a single bond or a bivalent aromatic cyclic group; and an aromatic polyamine derivative represented by following Formula (2): wherein Ring Z is a monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic ring; and R5, R6, R7 and R8 are each a substituent bound to Ring Z and are each independently a protected or unprotected amino group, etc., dissolved in the organic solvent.

Abstract: A diamine compound represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 is a trivalent organic group, each of X1 and X2 is a bivalent organic group, X3 is an alkyl or fluoroalkyl group having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, or a cyclic substituent selected from aromatic rings, aliphatic rings, heterocyclic rings and their substituted groups, and n is an integer of from 2 to 5. And, a polyimide precursor and a polyimide synthesized by using the diamine compound; and a treating agent for liquid crystal alignment containing the polyimide precursor and/or the polyimide.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a sulfonic and or sulfonic acid salt containing polyimide resins comprising melt reaction of a polyimide resin with an organic compound, wherein the organic compound contains at least one aliphatic primary amine functionality and at least one other functionality selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acids, sulfonic acid salts or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Polyimide resins that are suitable for processing by resin transfer molding (RTM) and resin infusion (RI) methods at reduced processing temperatures are provided. The inventive RTM and RI processable polyimide resins exhibit melting at temperatures of less than about 200° C. and melt viscosities at 200° C. of less than about 3000 centipoise. A process for synthesizing the inventive resins is also provided, as is a fiber-reinforced composite material. The fiber-reinforced composite material employs the inventive polyimide resin as its resin matrix and demonstrates good heat resistance and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A material for dielectric films is a polymerizable composition containing an adamantanepolycarboxylic acid represented by following Formula (1): wherein X is a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group or a hydrocarbon group; and Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 are the same as or different from one another and are each a single bond or a bivalent aromatic cyclic group; an aromatic polyamine represented by following Formula (2): wherein Ring Z is a monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic ring; and R1 and R2 are each a substituent bound to Ring Z, are the same as or different from each other and are each an amino group, a mono-substituted amino group, a hydroxyl group or a mercapto group; and a solvent other than ketones and aldehydes, in which the adamantanepolycarboxylic acid and aromatic polyamine are dissolved in the solvent

Abstract: In the process of the present invention, a solvent-soluble polyimide is produced by polycondensing at least one tetracarboxylic acid component with at least one diamine component in a solvent in the presence of a tertiary amine. The tetracarboxylic acid component is selected from the group consisting of tetracarboxylic dianhydrides represented by the following formula 1: wherein R is as defined in the specification, and tetracarboxylic acids and their derivatives represented by the following formula 2: wherein R and Y1 to Y4 are as defined in the specification. Unlike the conventional techniques using an excessively large amount of a chemical imidation agent such as acetic anhydride and a chemical imidation catalyst such as triethylamine, in the process of the present invention, the solvent-soluble polyimide having a high polymerization degree is easily produced in a solvent with good productivity by using only a catalytic amount of the tertiary amine.