PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF cis-,4-POLYBUTADIENE CONTAINING A FRACTION OF trans-1,4-POLYBUTADIENE

Polymerization of butadiene catalysed first with V(acac)_3-Al(i-Bu)_2Cl, then with Co(acac)_3-H_2O-Al(i-Bu)_2Cl has been studied. The polymer obtained was identified to be a new variety of cis-1,4-polybutadiene which contained a fraction of trans-1,4-polybutadiene chemically bonded to the cis-1,4-polybutadiene chains. Its molecular weight and trans-1,4 content can be regulated by varying the catalyst composition and concentration as well as other polymerization conditions. The trans-1,4 fraction, although it presents only in 9—16%, forms a crystalline phase in the matrix at room temperature and facilitates the crystallization of the polymer.     

Low-frequency dynamic mechanical behavior of lightly crosslinked 1,5-trans-polypentenamer in the rubberlike region

The low-frequency (10^?3 to 5 × 10^?1 Hz) dynamic mechanical properties were obtained over the temperature range of 25 to 96°C for 1,5-trans-polypentenamer networks prepared in the presence of 0,0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% dicumyl peroxide. For comparison, similar properties of 1,4-polybutadiene crosslinked with 0.02% dicumyl peroxide were also measured. Superimposed curves for the components of the dynamic compliance, J_p′ and J_p″, reduced to 25°C were obtained and the retardation spectra L were calculated over a range of four logarithmic decades deep in the rubberlike region. It was found that networks containing 0.04 and 0.1% DCP have a small loss maximum J_p″ in the reduced frequency region log ωa_T between ?2 and 0 which can be assigned to relaxations of untrapped entanglements. The values of (J_p′ ? 1/ωη) for very lightly crosslinked polypentenamer networks approached equilibrium very slowly compared to 1,4-polybutadiene crosslinked to the same degree, which suggests the participation of very long retardation times of this polymer which is also probably reflected in the comparatively high values of C₂ of the Mooney–Rivlin equation.     

Molecular mechanics assessment of the configurational statistics of polyoxyethylene

Previous investigators have shown that statistical mechanical averages for configuration-dependent physical properties of long unperturbed polyoxyethylene chains are sensitive to the gauche–trans energy difference for rotation about C? C bonds. Agreement between theory and experiment could be obtained only by significant adjustment of this energy away from values predicted by semiempirical conformational energy computations. The present work examines the success of MM 2 in evaluating conformational properties of long unperturbed polyoxyethylene chains. Calculations are performed which identify the rotational isomers, and their energies, for the indicated bonds in CH₃OCH₂CH₂O? CH₂? CH₂? OCH₂CH₂OCH₃. These energies are used to assign statistical weights utilized in the configuration partition function for a rotational isomeric state chain with symmetric threefold interdependent rotations. The customary generator matrix scheme is employed to evaluate the mean-square unperturbed end-to-end distance, mean-square unperturbed dipole moment, and their temperature coefficients. Contrary to computational schemes employed previously, MM 2 is found to provide an estimate of the gauche–trans energy difference for rotation about C? C which is in harmony with the known dimensions and dipole moments of the unperturbed polymer. MM 2 also provides good estimates for most of the other parameters required in the rotational isomeric state treatment. A notable exception is provided by the gauche–trans energy difference for rotation about the C? O bond. This energy difference is overestimated by MM 2.     

A normal coordinate analysis of trans-1,4-polychloroprene

The fundamental vibrational frequencies of an isolated chain of trans-1,4-polychloroprene have been calculated. The agreement between the calculated and experimentally observed crystalline frequencies supports the molecular model for the structure of trans-1,4-polychloroprene and the force field employed in the calculations. The results of the normal coordinate analysis indicate that there is essentially no coupling between adjacent translational repeat units of trans-1,4-polychloroprene.     

Rotational isomeric-state approximation for the unperturbed dimensions of a POLA polyester

Rotational isomeric-state theory has been applied to investigate chain configurations of a polyester prepared from 4′,5-(1,1,3-trimethyl-3-phenylindan) dicarboxylic acid and 2,2-bis(4′-hydroxyphenyl) propane (POLA polyester). Independent conformations for each repeat monomer unit of the chain have been assumed in the calculations of the unperturbed dimensions. Rotations about the oxygen-phenylene-carbon (O? ?? C) bonds are considered to be free with twofold symmetric potentials. The trans and cis conformations of the carbonyl-phenylene-carbon (O?C? ?? C) and the indan-carbonyl residues are assumed to have equal probability. Two rotational states, trans and cis, are assigned to the ester C? O bonds. Calculation of the reduced unperturbed dimensions (〈r₀²〉/M)_∞ with conformations thus assigned for the bonds in the repeat unit, and comparison with experiment (0.72 ± 0.02 Ų/g) indicate that the conformation in the ester C? O bonds is predominantly trans. An equation for the conformational potential as a function of rotational angle about the ester C? O bond has been formulated using data on potential barriers for low molecular weight compounds. This equation, yielding a potential difference between the cis the trans isomers of 2.5–3.0 kcal/mole, is in good agreement with the prediction made from the calculation of the unperturbed dimensions where a cis/trans ratio of 0.01 for the ester C? O bonds was obtained.     

Bromination of single crystals of trans-1,4-polybutadiene. Thermal behavior

It is demonstrated by several methods (DSC, infrared spectroscopy, and small-angle and wideangle x-ray diffraction) that bromination of suspensions of single crystals of trans-1,4-polybutadiene is selective at the fold surface. As the thickness of the single crystals is increased, a larger number of double bonds per fold are brominated, i.e. a larger number of repeat units become accessible to bromine. This is consistent with an increase in the thickness of disordered surface layers with the crystallization temperature. A reduction of 40–60% in overall apparent enthalpies of transition and of melting and reduced ability of brominated single crystals to refold following annealing are also observed. Crystallization from the melt of trans-1,4-PBD with [ CH₂? CHB_r? CHB_r? CH₂ ] units along the chain is interpreted by assuming that some of these units are incorporated in the crystal lattice as defects.     

Temperature dependence of unperturbed dimensions for stereoirregular 1,4-polybutadiene and poly(α-methylstyrene)

The temperature coefficient of chain dimensions, d ln〈r²〉₀/dT, was determined for stereoirregular 1,4-polybutadiene and poly(α-methylstyrene) via dilute solution viscometry. The 1,4-polybutadiene was examined in oligomeric 1,4-polybutadiene (an athermal solvent), and poly(α-methylstyrene) was evaluated under near-theta conditions using 1-chloro-n-alkanes as solvents. Both approaches minimize the potential for influence by specific solvent effects. The resulting temperature coefficients, ?0.1₀ × 10^?3 deg^?1 for 1,4-polybutadiene and ?0.3₀ × 10^?3 deg^?1 for poly(α-methylstyrene) are in excellent agreement with rotational isomeric state calculations.     

Polymerization of 2‐pentene with Ni(II) α‐diimine complex/M‐MAO catalyst and structure of the polymer

Polymerization of 2‐pentene with [ArN?C(An)C(An)·NAr)NiBr₂ (Ar?2,6‐iPr₂C₆H₃)] ( 1‐Ni) /M‐MAO catalyst was investigated. A reactivity between trans‐2‐pentene and cis‐2‐pentene on the polymerization was quite different, and trans‐2‐pentene polymerized with 1‐Ni /M‐MAO catalyst to give a high molecular weight polymer. On the other hand, the polymerization of cis‐2‐butene with 1‐Ni /M‐MAO catalyst did not give any polymeric products. In the polymerization of mixture of trans‐ and cis‐2‐pentene with 1‐Ni /M‐MAO catalyst, the M_n of the polymer increased with an increase of the polymer yields. However, the relationship between polymer yield and the M_n of the polymer did not give a strict straight line, and the M_w/M_n also increased with increasing polymer yield. This suggests that side reactions were induced during the polymerization. The structures of the polymer obtained from the polymerization of 2‐ pentene with 1‐Ni /M‐MAO catalyst consists of ? CH₂? CH₂? CH(CH₂CH₃)? , ? CH₂? CH₂? CH₂? CH(CH₃)? , ? CH₂? CH(CH₂CH₂CH₃)? , and methylene sequence ? (CH₂)_n? (n ≥ 5) units, which is related to the chain walking mechanism. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2858–2863, 2008     

Alternating copolymer of butadiene and propylene. IV. Studies on the catalysts for alternating copolymerization

The catalysts for alternating copolymerization of butadiene and propylene were investigated by means of ESR technique and potentiometric titration. It was found that several kinds of active species for the production of alternating copolymer, 1,2-polybutadiene, and trans-1,4-polybutadiene are formed, depending upon the catalyst composition of VO(acac)₂? Et₃Al? Et₂AlCl. ESR and potential titration studies suggest that the active species for alternating copolymerization is a divalent vanadium compound existing in an associated form.     

Stress-optical coefficient of cis-1,4-polybutadiene and cis-1,4-polyisoprene networks. Measurements on cis-1,4-polybutadiene networks and theoretical interpretation

Stress, strain, and birefringence measurements have been carried out on swollen and unswollen networks of ′cis-1,4-polybutadiene polymers. Neither stress-strain nor birefringence-strain relations of unswollen specimens obey the Gaussian network theory, but both can be fitted by the Mooney-Rivlin equation. On the contrary, data on specimens swollen in tetralin, decalin, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride strictly obey the Gaussian network theory. Existing methods for evaluating the temperature coefficient of the unperturbed dimensions, d In 〈r²〉/dT, from the stress-temperature relation are applied to the present data and discussed in some detail. It is concluded that reliable values of d In 〈r²〉/dT are not obtainable from data on unswollen samples because of the pronounced non-Gaussian effect. The value 7.5 ų for the optical anisotropy ų (an alternative to the stress-optical coefficient) for unswollen specimens is markedly larger than values (5.8 ų on the average) for swollen specimens. This is interpreted as due to the shortrange orientational order among polymer segments. The quantities 〈r²〉, ΔΓ, and their temperature coefficients are calculated for both cis-1,4-polybutadiene and cis-1,4-polyisoprene chains, on the basis of the rotational isomeric state approximation for bond rotations. Values of ΔΓ for cis-1,4-polybutadiene calculated using Clément and Bothorel's set of anisotropic bond polarizabilities are in good agreement with observed values for swollen specimens. Those for cis-1,4-polyisoprene obtained using the same set of anisotropic bond polarizabilities are somewhat smaller than observed values for unswollen specimens. This departure is in the direction expected from the behavior of ΔΓ upon swelling (i.e., a decrease in ΔΓ upon swelling).     

Mechanism and characterization of alkylene‐ and p‐ethylenebenzylene‐spaced polycarbosilanes ceramic precursor synthesized by electropolymerization

An electropolymerization of haloalkylhalosilanes (Cl? R? SiCH₃Cl₂) that possess two types of electroactive sites, that is, the C? Cl and Si? Cl bond is described. The one‐pot synthesis method is shown to yield branched polycarbosilanes having a regular carbon block‐spaced silicon backbone structure. A series of branched polycarbosilanes, [? R? SiCH₃? ]_n with R being ? CH₂? , ? C₂H₄? , ? C₃H₆? , and ? CH₂? C₆H₄? C₂H₄? , have been successfully electropolymerized with M_n up to 42,600 Dalton. Experimental and simulation cyclic voltammetry of these monomers and the computational examination of their LUMOs are applied to study the electropolymerization mechanism. The results suggest that polymerization proceeds by iterating steps involving (1) electroreduction of a C? Cl bond to a carbanion, which is catalyzed by silylanion radical [Cl SiCl(CH₃)RCl] and/or Ni(0)/TDA‐1; and (2) nucleophilic attack of carbanions to Si? Cl bonds of a second monomer or oligomer to extend the polymer chain. The investigation reveals that the R spacer has a considerable impact on the polymerizability of the corresponding monomer. Such interfacial polymerization resembles a template polymerization, leading to unique microstructures that were preserved even after converted to silicon carbide ceramics at high temperatures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 7677–7689, 2008     

Crystallizable elastomers by chemical modification of transtactic polydiolefins. Hydrochlorination

Solutions of crystalline, high-melting trans-1,4 polybutadiene (trans-PB), trans-1,4 mix 1,2 butadiene-piperylene copolymer (BPC, low piperylene content), and isotactic trans-1,4 piperylene (trans-PP) were partly hydrochlorinated under mild conditions with gaseous HCl. Glass transition and melting temperatures were strongly affected by the addition of HCl. Several hydrochlorinated trans-PB and -BPC were semicrystalline or amorphous elastomers, susceptible to reversible crystallization when stretched. The straininduced crystallinity was similar to that shown by trans-polybutadiene sequences, particularly in the form that is unstable in bulk at room temperature (form II). The addition of HCl to the asymmetric double bond in trans-PP occurs in a stereoselective way, according to ¹³C-NMR. under the experimental conditions of the present study the occurrence of side reactions was observed; these reactions decrease the polymer unsaturation to a lower level than that calculated by the amount of HCl added to the polymer.     

Carbon-13 NMR spectra of some polychloro hydrocarbons and related compounds

Data derived from the carbon-13 NMR spectra of 37 organic polychloro compounds allow one to identify readily the ? CHCl₂, ? CCl₂? and ? CH₂Cl groups, the ¹³C signals of which are registered in the shift ranges of 67 to 78 (80), 85 to 96 and 38 to 55 (59) ppm (from TMS), respectively, and have the distinctive one bond spin-spin coupling constants ¹J(C? H) 170 to 184 Hz (for the ? CHCl₂ groups) and 147 to 158 Hz (for the ? CH₂Cl groups). The ? CCl₂CH₂CH₂Cl fragment features characteristic diamagnetic shieldings of the ? CCl₂? and ? CH₂Cl that may be related to increased electron density on both of these groups.     

A solid-state 13C-NMR study of crosslinking in polybutadiene by γ radiation: Effect of microstructure and dose

Solid-state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy has been used to determine the decrease in C?C bonds, formation of crosslinks and cis to trans isomerization during the γ irradiation of (a) > 99% cis, 1,4-polybutadiene, (b) 54% trans, 41% cis, 1,4-polybutadiene, and (c) 86% 1,2-polybutadiene. G(-cis C?C) and G(-trans C?C), were similar and decreased with dose from ≈ 40 for 0-1 MGy to 5 for 5-10 MGy. G(-double bonds) and G(crosslink) were comparable, indicating that crosslinking occurred through the double bonds. G(crosslink) was much higher than values derived from physical properties, confirming that NMR measures the total of inter- and intramolecular crosslinking (cyclization). The 1,2 polybutadiene was much more sensitive to crosslinking, and a value of G(-C?C) = 240 was obtained at low doses. Crosslinking evidently proceeds by a kinetic chain reaction in all three types of polybutadiene.     

Polymerization and copolymerization of functionalized 2‐alkoxy‐1‐methylenecyclopropanes to form new polymers having alkoxy substituents

The polymers with functionalized alkoxy groups and with narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n < 1.12) are obtained from the living polymerization of 2‐alkoxy‐1‐methylenecyclopropanes using π‐allylpalladium complex, [(PhC₃H₄)Pd(μ‐Cl)]₂, as the initiator. The polymers with oligoethylene glycol groups in the alkoxy substituent are soluble in water, and hydroboration of the C?C double bond and ensuing addition of the OH groups to C?N bond of alkyl isocyanate produce the polymers with urethane pendant groups. The reaction decreases solubility of the polymer in water significantly. Di‐ and triblock copolymers of the 2‐alkoxy‐1‐methylenecyclopropanes are prepared by consecutive addition of the two or three 2‐alkoxy‐1‐methylenecyclopropane monomers to the Pd initiator. The polymers which contain both hydrophobic butoxy or tert‐butoxy group and hydrophilic oligoethylene glycol group dissolve in water and/or organic solvents, depending on the substituents. The ¹H NMR spectrum of poly( 1a ‐b‐ 1h ) (? (CH₂C(?CH₂)CHOBu)_n? (CH₂C(?CH₂)CH(OCH₂CH₂)₃OMe)_m? ) in D₂O solution exhibits peaks because of the butoxy and ?CH₂ hydrogen in decreased intensity, indicating that the polymer forms micelle particles containing the hydrophilic segments in their external parts. Aqueous solution of the polymer with a small amount of DPH (DPH = 1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene) shows the absorbance due to DPH at concentration of the polymer higher than 5.82 × 10^?5 g mL^?1. Other block copolymers such as poly( 1b ‐b‐ 1h ) and poly( 1a ‐b‐ 1g ) also form the micelles that contain DPH in their core. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 959–972, 2009     

On the Effect of Tether Composition on cis/trans Selectivity in Intramolecular Diels–Alder Reactions

Intramolecular Diels–Alder (IMDA) transition structures (TSs) and energies have been computed at the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) and CBS‐QB3 levels of theory for a series of 1,3,8‐nonatrienes, H₂C?CH? CH?CH? CH₂? X? Z? CH?CH₂ [? X? Z? =? CH₂? CH₂? ( 1 ); ? O? C(?O)? ( 2 ); ? CH₂? C(?O)? ( 3 ); ? O? CH₂? ( 4 ); ? NH? C(?O)? ( 5 ); ? S? C(?O)? ( 6 ); ? O? C(?S)? ( 7 ); ? NH? C(?S)? ( 8 ); ? S? C(?S)? ( 9 )]. For each system studied ( 1 – 9 ), cis‐ and trans‐TS isomers, corresponding, respectively, to endo‐ and exo‐positioning of the ? C? X? Z? tether with respect to the diene, have been located and their relative energies (E_rel^TS) employed to predict the cis/trans IMDA product ratio. Although the E_rel^TS values are modest (typically <3 kJ mol^?1), they follow a clear and systematic trend. Specifically, as the electronegativity of the tether group X is reduced (X?O→NH or S), the IMDA cis stereoselectivity diminishes. The predicted stereochemical reaction preferences are explained in terms of two opposing effects operating in the cis‐TS, namely (1) unfavorable torsional (eclipsing) strain about the C4? C5 bond, that is caused by the ? C? X? C(?Y)? group’s strong tendency to maintain local planarity; and (2) attractive electrostatic and secondary orbital interactions between the endo‐(thio)carbonyl group, C?Y, and the diene. The former interaction predominates when X is weakly electronegative (X?N, S), while the latter is dominant when X is more strongly electronegative (X?O), or a methylene group (X?CH₂) which increases tether flexibility. These predictions hold up to experimental scrutiny, with synthetic IMDA reactions of 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 (published work) and 5 , 6 , and 8 (this work) delivering ratios close to those calculated. The reactions of thiolacrylate 5 and thioamide 8 represent the first examples of IMDA reactions with tethers of these types. Our results point to strategies for designing tethers, which lead to improved cis/trans‐selectivities in IMDAs that are normally only weakly selective. Experimental verification of the validity of this claim comes in the form of fumaramide 14 , which undergoes a more trans‐selective IMDA reaction than the corresponding ester tethered precursor 13 .     

Kristall- und Molekülstruktur von fac-Trichloro-tris(dimethylsulfoxid)bismut(III) BiCl3(DMSO)3

Crystal and Molecular Structure of fac-Trichloro-tris(dimethyl sulfoxide)bismuth(III) BiCl₃(DMSO)₃ Crystals of the known, although structurally not characterized title compound were fortuitously obtained from a reaction mixture containing (CH₃)₃SiN(SO₂CH₃)₂, BiCl₃, DMSO, CH₂Cl₂ and CH₃NO₂. Crystallographic data (at ?130°C): triclinic, space group P1 1, a = 816.1(5), b = 885.1(6), c = 1 360.6(8) pm, α = 77.58(3), β = 77.39(3), γ = 64.42(3)°, U = 0.8569 nm³, Z = 2. The DMSO ligands are bound through oxygen to the Bi atom. Important bond distances and angles in the resulting fac-octahedral complex are as follows: Bi? Cl 258.9, 261.0, 263.0, Bi? O 242.6, 245.7, 246.1 pm; Cl? Bi? O (trans) 170.3, 170.6, 176.9, Cl? Bi? Cl 94.6, 94.7, 96.0, O? Bi? O 81.7, 85.4, 87.9, Cl? Bi? O (cis) in the range 87.2–92.6, Bi? O? S 123.4, 126.1, 129.6°.     

Synthesis and characterisation of star-shaped liquid crystalline polymer with a POSS core

The star-shaped POSS-graft-LCP with POSS as the core and liquid crystal polymer, poly{6-(4?-octyloxyphenyl-4″-benzoyl)hexyl acrylate}, as arms was prepared by atom transfer radical polymerisation technique using octa(3-chloropropyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane [POSS-(CH₂CH₂CH₂Cl)₈] as initiator. For comparison, the linear liquid crystal polymer, poly{6-(4?-octyloxyphenyl-4″-benzoyl)hexyl acrylate} (LLCP), was obtained by conventional radical polymerisation. Both liquid crystal polymers were characterised by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, polarised optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The liquid crystal phase behaviour research demonstrated that both liquid crystal polymers were reversible thermotropic nematic liquid crystal materials. The number of polymerisation degree of every arm attached on POSS in POSS-graft-LCP impacted greatly on the liquid crystal properties and only a small one was necessary for it to exhibit a broad liquid crystal range. Results further demonstrated that the special star-shaped topology of POSS and the eight arms attached helped POSS-graft-LCP form and stabilise liquid crystal phase easily. This research may further expand the way to star-shaped LCPs by employing a variety of (meth)acrylate and other vinyl liquid crystalline monomers.     

Atmospheric reactions of chloroethenes with the OH radical

The kinetics and products of the homogeneous gas-phase reactions of the OH radical with the chloroethenes were investigated at 298 ± 2 K and atmospheric pressure. Using a relative rate technique and ethane as a scavenger for the chlorine atoms produced in these OH radical reactions, rate constants (in units of 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1s^?1) of 8.11 ± 0.24, 2.38 ± 0.14, and 1.80 ± 0.03 were obtained for 1,1-dichloroethene, cis-1, 2-dichloroethene and trans-1,2-dichloroethene, respectively. Under these conditions, the major products observed by long pathlength FT-IR absorption spectroscopy were HCHO and HC(O)Cl from vinyl chloride; HC(O)Cl from cis- and trans-1,2-dichloroethene; HCHO and COCl₂ from 1,1-dichloroethene; HC(O)Cl and COCl₂ from trichloroethene; and COCl₂ from tetrachloroethene. In the absence of a Cl atom scavenger, significant yields of the chloroacetyl chlorides, CH_xCl_3?xC(O)Cl, were observed from 1,1-dichloro-, trichloro- and tetrachloroethene, indicating that these products resulted from reactions involving chlorine atoms. The yields of all of these products are reported and the mechanisms of these gas-phase reactions discussed. In addition, OH radical reaction rate constants were redetermined, in the presence of a Cl atom scavenger, for cis- and trans-1,3-dichloropropene and 3-chloro-2-chloromethyl-1-propene, being (in units of 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1) 8.45 ± 0.41, 14.4 ± 0.8, and 33.5 ± 3.0, respectively.     

Morphology and thermodynamic properties of solution-grown single crystals of trans-1,4-polybutadiene

The morphology and thermal behavior of trans-1,4-polybutadiene single crystals prepared from dilute solutions in n-heptane have been investigated by electron microscopy, wide-angle and low-angle x-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. The thickness of the single crystals of trans-1,4-PBD is much greater, for the same undercooling, than that of other linear polymers. From the calorimetric study, convincing evidence of the presence, in the single crystals, of crystalline blocks of form 1 with two different thermodynamic stabilities is obtained and the relative amounts are calculated. From thermodynamic considerations we find a value of 75°C for the equilibrium transition temperature between forms 1 and 2, 139°C for the equilibrium melting temperature of form 2, and 31.2 erg/cm² for the fold-surface free energy of modification 2.