About

Javier Read de Alaniz is a Professor in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California Santa Barbara and serves as the Director of BioPACIFIC MIP. He was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and completed his B.S. degree at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, in 1999, where he conducted undergraduate research under Professor William R. Bartlett. He earned his Ph.D. in 2006 at Colorado State University under Professor Tomislav Rovis, focusing on asymmetric catalysis. Following his doctoral studies, he worked in total synthesis with Professor Larry E. Overman at the University of California, Irvine, before beginning his independent career at UCSB in 2009. His research interests encompass a broad spectrum of fundamental and applied chemistry, including the development of new synthetic transformations and organic photochromic materials. His work is highly interdisciplinary, involving the functionalization of organic molecules, synthesis from non-edible biomass, development of photochromic materials, and approaches to functionalized polymers.

Research topics

• Chemistry
• Polymer science
• Organic chemistry
• Polymer chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Selected publications

• Cross-Link Location Influences Performance in Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

  Macromolecules · 2026-02-16

  article

  The influence of network topology on adhesive performance is reported by leveraging the controlled synthesis of polymers with precisely placed cross-linking sites. Copolymers based on n-butyl acrylate and acrylic acid were synthesized using reverse addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization to define the placement of active esters at (1) both chain ends, (2) the center of the backbone, or (3) statistically distributed throughout. After displacement of the active esters with a norbornene-functionalized amine and UV-initiated cross-linking via thiol–ene click chemistry, the properties of each adhesive were compared by 180° peel (adhesive) and lap shear (cohesive) tests. Localizing cross-link points at both chain ends or the center of the backbone improved adhesive properties significantly compared to the statistical copolymer. In summary, these insights suggest new strategies for designing adhesives with tunable and enhanced properties.

  PublisherDOI

• From Lipoic Acid to1,2-Dithianes: Expanding RadicalRing-Opening to Less-Activated Monomers Such as Vinyl Acetate

  Figshare · 2026-03-02

  other

  Polymers containing cleavable functionality along the backbone represent a path to reduce the environmental persistence of commodity rubbers and plastics. One route to installing cleavable functionality involves the radical ring-opening polymerization of five-membered 1,2-dithiolanes such as α-lipoic acid, which introduces disulfide bonds into vinyl polymer backbones. However, the ring strain and electronics of 1,2-dithiolanes generally restrict reactivity to only favor copolymerization with more-activated comonomers, such as acrylate and styrene derivatives. Here, we show that the six-membered cyclic disulfide, 1,2-dithiane overcomes this limitation under simple thermal free-radical conditions. We demonstrate that 1,2-dithiane copolymerizes efficiently with the less-activated monomer vinyl acetate. In sharp contrast to α-lipoic acid and its derivatives, 1,2-dithiane exhibits nearly ideal copolymerization across different feed ratios, affording high conversions of both monomers (>90%), tunable molar masses (<i>M</i>_n ≈ 10–100 kg mol^–1), and scalability (>20 g). Moreover, the 1,2-dithiane scaffold is synthetically versatile: a 1,2-dithiane-4,5-diol was synthesized from dithiothreitol as a building block for further derivatization. By varying dithiane functionality and loading, <i>poly</i>(dithiane-<i>co</i>-vinyl acetate) copolymers span semicrystalline to elastomeric mechanical properties and, critically, embed backbone-cleavable sulfur motifs (including monothioacetal units) even at low (<1 mol %) loadings. This operationally simple reaction highlights the key influence of ring size in the copolymerization behavior of disulfide-containing monomers and demonstrates the practical advantages of using 6-membered cyclic disulfides as renewable building blocks for creating degradable vinyl copolymers derived from inexpensive, industrially relevant feedstocks.

  DOI

• CCDC 2503979: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

  The Cambridge Structural Database · 2026-03-03

  datasetOpen access

  An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.

  PublisherDOI

• Surface Chemistry and Particle Morphology Govern the Multiscale Interactions and Properties of Silica–Polyelectrolyte-Stabilized Microcapsules

  Langmuir · 2026-01-16

  article

  Particle-stabilized emulsions offer a strategy for forming mechanically robust microcapsules based on coassembly of silica nanoparticles, polyelectrolytes, and surfactants at oil–water interfaces. Such systems have complicated distributions of inorganic colloidal solids, surfactants, solvents, and ions that influence their compositions and structures over multiple length scales, which have been challenging to characterize and establish. To do so, silica–polyelectrolyte microcapsules were prepared with nearly monodisperse dimensions in the submicron range from water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions that were stabilized by a combination of nonionic surfactants, anionic silica nanoparticles, and cationic polyelectrolyte chains. Nonionic surfactants were used to establish oil as the continuous phase, while silica–polyelectrolyte complexes, self-assembled at the oil–water interfaces, prevented coalescence between droplets and provided mechanical elasticity. Particle charge measurements show that the surface charge density of the silica nanoparticles can be controlled by adjusting the pH conditions or by substituting aluminate ions at their surfaces. These promoted strong electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions with the cationic polyelectrolyte and nonionic surfactant species, direct atomic-scale evidence of which is provided by solid-state two-dimensional (2D) 29Si{1H} NMR. For nanoparticles with higher surface charge densities, strong electrostatic interactions are the basis for particle coassembly with cationic polyelectrolyte species, and the resulting silica–polyelectrolyte complexes adsorb at the oil–water interface, as revealed by cryogenic electron microscopy. Relative to larger spherical nanoparticles, the elongated nanoparticles exhibit more extensive hydrogen bonding with polar organic moieties, which contributes to polyelectrolyte bridging between particles with lower densities of surface negative charges, consistent with interfacial rheology analyses. In addition to interfacial compositions and conditions, noncovalent polyelectrolyte–silica interactions, governed by nanoparticle surface compositions, charge density, and surface area, can be adjusted to control the macroscopic mechanical properties of the microcapsule interfaces.

  PublisherDOI

• Synergizing Chemical and AI Communities for Advancing Laboratories of the Future

  ACS Central Science · 2026-01-27

  articleOpen access

  The development of automated experimental facilities and the digitization of experimental data have introduced numerous opportunities to radically advance chemical laboratories. As many laboratory tasks involve predicting and understanding previously unknown chemical relationships, machine learning (ML) approaches trained on experimental data can substantially accelerate the conventional design-build-test-learn process. This outlook article aims to help chemists understand and begin to adopt ML predictive models for a variety of laboratory tasks, including experimental design, synthesis optimization, and materials characterization. Furthermore, this article introduces how artificial intelligence (AI) agents based on large language models can help researchers acquire background knowledge in chemical or data science and accelerate various aspects of the discovery process. We present three case studies in distinct areas to illustrate how ML models and AI agents can be leveraged to reduce time-consuming experiments and manual data analysis. Finally, we highlight existing challenges that require continued synergistic effort from both experimental and computational communities to address.

  PublisherDOI

• From Lipoic Acid to1,2-Dithianes: Expanding RadicalRing-Opening to Less-Activated Monomers Such as Vinyl Acetate

  Figshare · 2026-03-02

  article

  Polymers containing cleavable functionality along the backbone represent a path to reduce the environmental persistence of commodity rubbers and plastics. One route to installing cleavable functionality involves the radical ring-opening polymerization of five-membered 1,2-dithiolanes such as α-lipoic acid, which introduces disulfide bonds into vinyl polymer backbones. However, the ring strain and electronics of 1,2-dithiolanes generally restrict reactivity to only favor copolymerization with more-activated comonomers, such as acrylate and styrene derivatives. Here, we show that the six-membered cyclic disulfide, 1,2-dithiane overcomes this limitation under simple thermal free-radical conditions. We demonstrate that 1,2-dithiane copolymerizes efficiently with the less-activated monomer vinyl acetate. In sharp contrast to α-lipoic acid and its derivatives, 1,2-dithiane exhibits nearly ideal copolymerization across different feed ratios, affording high conversions of both monomers (>90%), tunable molar masses (<i>M</i>_n ≈ 10–100 kg mol^–1), and scalability (>20 g). Moreover, the 1,2-dithiane scaffold is synthetically versatile: a 1,2-dithiane-4,5-diol was synthesized from dithiothreitol as a building block for further derivatization. By varying dithiane functionality and loading, <i>poly</i>(dithiane-<i>co</i>-vinyl acetate) copolymers span semicrystalline to elastomeric mechanical properties and, critically, embed backbone-cleavable sulfur motifs (including monothioacetal units) even at low (<1 mol %) loadings. This operationally simple reaction highlights the key influence of ring size in the copolymerization behavior of disulfide-containing monomers and demonstrates the practical advantages of using 6-membered cyclic disulfides as renewable building blocks for creating degradable vinyl copolymers derived from inexpensive, industrially relevant feedstocks.

  DOI

• Photoswitchable Transport Systems: Mobility With Light

  Advanced Functional Materials · 2026-01-07 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  ABSTRACT The survival of living systems hinges on the reliable transport of ions, electrons, molecules, and fluids over various time and length scales. As such, the design of responsive synthetic systems that enable life‐like transport or motion of similar cargo is key to next‐generation smart materials and devices. Achieving spatial and temporal control of motion using light‐responsive systems enables precise modulation over when and where molecular processes occur, ensuring functionality, efficiency, and predictability. The choice of mobile agent is vital when designing materials for specific applications. In this review, the photoswitchable movement of different types of cargos, including ions, electrons, molecules, and fluids, is elucidated. Photoswitching chemistries that enable different types of mobile responses will be discussed, with examples highlighting recent advances in areas such as optoelectronic devices, microfluidics, drug delivery, and gas storage. In addition, the barriers to light‐controlled movement and application in material systems are discussed. This review aims to advance the exploration of photoswitchable transport systems, with emphasis on key aspects that will enable practical applications, including control over material response (i.e., tunability), response time (speed), and scalability of material systems.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• From Lipoic Acid to 1,2-Dithianes: Expanding Radical Ring-Opening to Less-Activated Monomers Such as Vinyl Acetate

  Journal of the American Chemical Society · 2026-03-02

  article

  Polymers containing cleavable functionality along the backbone represent a path to reduce the environmental persistence of commodity rubbers and plastics. One route to installing cleavable functionality involves the radical ring-opening polymerization of five-membered 1,2-dithiolanes such as α-lipoic acid, which introduces disulfide bonds into vinyl polymer backbones. However, the ring strain and electronics of 1,2-dithiolanes generally restrict reactivity to only favor copolymerization with more-activated comonomers, such as acrylate and styrene derivatives. Here, we show that the six-membered cyclic disulfide, 1,2-dithiane overcomes this limitation under simple thermal free-radical conditions. We demonstrate that 1,2-dithiane copolymerizes efficiently with the less-activated monomer vinyl acetate. In sharp contrast to α-lipoic acid and its derivatives, 1,2-dithiane exhibits nearly ideal copolymerization across different feed ratios, affording high conversions of both monomers (>90%), tunable molar masses (Mn ≈ 10–100 kg mol–1), and scalability (>20 g). Moreover, the 1,2-dithiane scaffold is synthetically versatile: a 1,2-dithiane-4,5-diol was synthesized from dithiothreitol as a building block for further derivatization. By varying dithiane functionality and loading, poly(dithiane-co-vinyl acetate) copolymers span semicrystalline to elastomeric mechanical properties and, critically, embed backbone-cleavable sulfur motifs (including monothioacetal units) even at low (<1 mol %) loadings. This operationally simple reaction highlights the key influence of ring size in the copolymerization behavior of disulfide-containing monomers and demonstrates the practical advantages of using 6-membered cyclic disulfides as renewable building blocks for creating degradable vinyl copolymers derived from inexpensive, industrially relevant feedstocks.

  PublisherDOI

• Radical‐Free Digital Light Processing 3D Printing of Hydrogels Using a Photo‐Caged Cyclopentadiene Diels–Alder Strategy

  Advanced Functional Materials · 2025-08-15 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Abstract Light‐controlled chemical reactions have driven major advances in photo‐patterning and 3D printing, particularly for applications requiring spatially and temporally resolved control over soft material assembly. Synthetic hydrogels, which mimic the extracellular matrix, are widely used in 3D cell culture, drug delivery, and soft device platforms. While radical‐mediated photo‐crosslinking dominates digital light processing (DLP) bioprinting, the high reactivity of free radicals can compromise cell/biomolecule stability and functional group integrity. This issue has led to a shift toward radical‐free, light‐controlled crosslinking. In this study, a novel approach is presented for the first demonstration of radical‐free aqueous photo‐resins for DLP printing, utilizing photo‐caged cyclopentadiene (Cp) moieties and maleimide click partners. Upon 365 nm light exposure, uncaged Cp reacts rapidly with maleimide groups via a Diels–Alder cycloaddition, enabling fast gelation and high‐fidelity DLP printing. The two‐component resin system offers tunable mechanical properties and yields printed features with submillimeter fidelity. Critically, the resulting materials retain unreacted functional handles, enabling spatially resolved post‐functionalization with small molecules in the complete absence of radicals. This platform not only provides a robust and orthogonal alternative to traditional photo‐resins, but also opens new avenues for biofabrication, adaptive soft materials, and 4D‐printed systems where chemical precision and compatibility are paramount.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Pendent No More: Direct Backbone Integration of Stenhouse Salt Enables Multi‐Responsive Commodity Polyurethanes

  Angewandte Chemie International Edition · 2025-10-22 · 3 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  While donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) have shown exceptional photochromic properties at the molecular level, their integration into polymeric materials has been limited to pendent group architectures that compromise both switching efficiency and materials performance. Here, we report a versatile strategy to overcome these limitations by leveraging the symmetric design of Stenhouse salts-structural analogues of DASAs-for direct backbone integration into polyurethane backbones. This approach overcomes the synthetic hurdles and performance compromises typical of pendent DASA systems, producing mechanically robust materials with strain-to-break exceeding 1100% and tensile strengths up to 44 MPa, while delivering fully reversible colorimetric responses (ΔE > 50) to trace amounts of acids, bases, amines, and nerve agent mimics. Integrating the chromophores into the polymer backbone eliminates leaching and ensures high reproducibility alongside excellent mechanical properties. Moreover, incorporating photoacid generators allows for micrometer-scale photolithographic patterning, enabling precise spatial and temporal control of chromophore switching under solar or UV light. These backbone-integrated Stenhouse salt polyurethanes mark a significant advancement over pendent chromophore systems, transforming conventional elastomers into versatile, responsive materials for applications ranging from food packaging and security to protective gear and medical devices.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• CAREER: New Advances in the Cascade Rearrangement of Furylcarbinols for Complex Molecular Synthesis

  NSF · $573k · 2011–2017

• SusChEM: Copper-Catalyzed Radical Reactions of Nitroso Compounds for the Synthesis of Carbon-Nitrogen Bonds

  NSF · $420k · 2016–2020

• New advances in cyclopentadiene based materials

  NSF · $495k · 2022–2025

• MIP: BioPolymers, Automated Cellular Infrastructure, Flow, and Integrated Chemistry: Materials Innovation Platform (BioPACIFIC MIP)

  NSF · $23.8M · 2020–2026

Frequent coauthors

• Craig J. Hawker

  University of California, Santa Barbara

  107 shared

• Emre H. Discekici

  University of California, Santa Barbara

  44 shared

• Leoni I. Palmer

  35 shared

• Nicolas J. Treat

  University of California, Santa Barbara

  29 shared

• Neil D. Dolinski

  University of Chicago

  29 shared

• André H. St. Amant

  University of California, Santa Barbara

  27 shared

• Christopher M. Bates

  University of California, Santa Barbara

  27 shared

• In‐Hwan Lee

  Sungkyunkwan University

  26 shared