Anionic polymerization initiated by lithium diethylamide in organic solvents. II. Investigation of the polymerization of isoprene

The polymerization of isoprene, initiated by lithium diethylamide has been investigated in the presence of a number of additives. Kinetic results are interpreted on the basis of simultaneous initiation and propagation reactions. The effect of additives, particularly diethyl either, has a profound effect on both the rate of initiation and propagation. The active centers are believed to be ion-pairs with the lithium counterions solvated by both ether and monomer molecules, and the actual propagation reaction is believed to involve a rearrangement of the monomer, complexed to the lithium, and the growing polymeric chain.     

Anionic polymerization initiated by diethylamide in organic solvents. I. The use of lithium diethylamide as a polymerization catalyst and the effect of solvent type on the polymerization of isoprene and styrene

Lithium diethylamide has been found to be an active initiator for the polymerization of isoprene both in hydrocarbon media and in a variety of polar solvents, such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran. The successful initiation of styrene polymerization is, however, strongly dependent upon the type of solvent employed. Thus no polymerization is observed in hydrocarbon media or in diethyl ether solution, but polymerization occurs rapidly in either tetrahydrofuran or 1,2-dimethoxyethane solution. These polymerization processes are anionic in nature and are characterized by sigmoidal conversion–time plots, indicating that the initiation reactions are relatively slow compared to chain propagation.     

Anionic polymerization of methacrylate monomers initiated by lithium dialkylamides

The anionic polymerization of methacrylate monomers has been investigated with lithium dialkylamides as initiators in THF and toluene, respectively. Theoretical arguments and previous studies of mixed aggregates of lithiated organic compounds support the complexity of these systems. Lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) shows the highest initiation efficiency (e.g., f = 75% in THF at −78°C). Interestingly enough, lithium chloride has a remarkable beneficial effect on the methacrylates polymerization in THF at −78°C, due to the formation of 1 : 1 mixed dimer with LDA, which promotes a well-controlled anionic polymerization (M_w/M_n = 1.05) with a high initiation efficiency (94%). The less bulky lithium–diethylamide (LDEA) is much less efficient (f = 26%), essentially as a result of some associated “dormant” species and side reactions on the carbonyl group of MMA. Although various types of ligands have been screened, no remarkable improvement of LDEA efficiency has been observed. Lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LTMSA) has also been used to increase the steric hindrance of the initiator. This compound is, however, unable to initiate the methacrylates polymerization, more likely because of a too low basicity and a too strong Li—N bond. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 3637–3644, 1997     

A rapid‐injection NMR study of the effect of lithium alkoxides on the butyllithium‐initiated polymerization and propagation of styrene

In studies carried out in THF at −80°C, lithium n‐butoxide was found to speed up the initiation and to an even greater extent the rate of propagation in the alkyllithium‐initiated polymerization of styrene. Bulky alkoxides were found to slow down the rate of polymerization by slowing both initiation and propagation although initiation was decreased to a greater extent than propagation. Five equivalents of lithium tert‐butoxide stopped the initiation completely under these reaction conditions when n‐butyllithium was used as an initiator. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 1157–1168, 1999     

Reaction of lithium diethylamide with an alkyl bromide and alkyl benzenesulfonate: origins of alkylation, elimination, and sulfonation

A combination of NMR, kinetic, and computational methods are used to examine reactions of lithium diethylamide in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with n-dodecyl bromide and n-octyl benzenesulfonate. The alkyl bromide undergoes competitive S(N)2 substitution and E2 elimination in proportions independent of all concentrations except for a minor medium effect. Rate studies show that both reactions occur via trisolvated-monomer-based transition structures. The alkyl benzenesulfonate undergoes competitive S(N)2 substitution (minor) and N-sulfonation (major) with N-sulfonation promoted at low THF concentrations. The S(N)2 substitution is shown to proceed via a disolvated monomer suggested computationally to involve a cyclic transition structure. The dominant N-sulfonation follows a disolvated-dimer-based transition structure suggested computationally to be a bicyclo[3.1.1] form. The differing THF and lithium diethylamide orders for the two reactions explain the observed concentration-dependent chemoselectivities.     

The measurement of rates of initiation in the thermal polymerization of styrene

The thermal initiation of the polymerization of styrene has been studied at temperatures from 60–140°C using DPPH as a free radical scavenger. Rates of free radical formation, measured by the decrease in absorbance at 525 nm, are about seven times greater than those obtained from inhibition period measurements. The difference is probably due to the much greater reactivity of trinitrobenzene derivatives towards diradicals from styrene than towards styryl monoradicals. This view is supported by the different behaviour of the AIBN initiated polymerization of styrene in the presence of DPPH. The thermal initiation process has a low efficiency of initiation and the activation energy is 121 kJ/mole. The results strongly support the diradical mechanism for the thermal initiation of styrene polymerization.     

Polymerization of monomers containing functional silyl groups. 12. Anionic polymerization of styrene derivatives para-substituted with pentamethyldisilyl (Si-Si), heptamethyltrisilyl (Si-Si-Si), and nonamethyltetrasilyl (Si-Si-Si-Si) groups

Three styrene derivatives, para-substituted pentamethyldisilyl (Si-Si), heptamethyltrisilyl (Si-Si-Si), and nonamethyltetrasilyl (Si-Si-Si-Si) groups 1 - 3 were synthesized and polymerized in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at −78°C and in benzene at 40°C. The polymerizations of 1 and 2 in THF were found to proceed without transfer and termination reactions to afford stable living polymers. The Si-Si and Si-Si-Si bonds are found to be completely stable under the conditions. Under the same conditions, novel block copolymers with well-defined structures were synthesized by sequential addition of 1 or 2 and styrene. By contrast, side reactions occurred during the polymerizations of 1 and 2 in benzene at 40°C, although polymer yields were quantitative. More seriously, polymer was not obtained in the polymerization of 3 both in THF and in benzene. Thus, the effect of chain length of the oligosilyl group is found to be critical in the anionic polymerization of 1 - 3 .     

Kinetics of radical polymerization. XXX. Polymerization of styrene in solution

A study was made on the AIBN-initiated polymerization of styrene in benzene and dimethyl formamide at 50°C. The overall rate and the rate of initiation of the polymerization were determined and the number-average and weight-average molecular weights of the polymers formed were measured. The decrease in the rate and degree of polymerization with the decrease in styrene concentration was caused by the corresponding decreases in the rate constants of chain propagation and initiation steps. In the systems studied no chain transfer process occurred with an experimentally measurable rate.     

Anionic synthesis of polystyrene and polybutadiene heteroarm star polymers

The use of living linking reactions of poly(styryl)lithium with 1,3-bis(1-phenylvinyl)benzene followed by crossover reactions with styrene or butadiene monomers has been used to prepare four-armed heteroarm, star-branched polymers. Bimodal molecular weight distributions have been observed for crossover reactions with both styrene and butadiene. Addition of THF ([THF]/[Li]=14–32) for crossover to styrene and lithium sec-butoxide for crossover to butadiene produces monomodal molecular weight distributions. Symmetrical, four-armed star polystyrenes have been synthesized; properties have been compared with a corresponding polymer prepared via a silicon tetrachloride linking reaction. Heteroarm, star-branched polymers with two polystyrene arms and two polybutadiene arms with high 1,4-microstructure have been prepared.     

Copolymerization of N,N‐Dimethylacrylamide with Styrene and Butadiene: The First Example of Polar Growing Chain End/Nonpolar Monomer Cross‐Initiation

Living potassium poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) initiates the polymerization of styrene and butadiene, and adds 1,1‐diphenylethylene in THF solution. The model compound α‐potassio‐N,N‐dimethylpropionamide also polymerizes styrene and butadiene in contrast to esterenolates, which are known to be incapable of such reactions. The IR spectra and SEC traces of the polymers obtained unequivocally prove that styrene and butadiene initiation proceeds directly via the amidoenolate anion. Apparently, this is the first case observed where the polymerization of a nonpolar monomer can be initiated by the growing chain end of a polar polymer.     

Synthetic routes to block copolymerization by changing mechanism from cationic polymerization to free radical polymerisation

Polymers containing thermolabile groups were synthesized by various cationic polymerization initiation mechanisms, namely; oxo–carbenium, promoted cationic and activated monomer polymerization. These polymers used in a subsequent blocking step in which azo groups were decomposed and converted into initiating centres from which blocks were grown by means of free radical polymerization. This procedure was applied to specific systems in which cationic polymerizable monomers are tetrahydrofuran (THF), cyclohexene oxide (CHO) and epichlorohydrin (ECH), respectively, and the free radical polymerizable monomer is styrene (St).     

119Sn-NMR evidence for 2,1-initiation in the anionic polymerization of butadiene with trialkyltin lithium

Low molecular weight polybutadienes and styrene butadiene copolymers were anionically prepared with trialkyltin lithium initiator and end-capped with either hydrogen or a trialkyltin group. These polymers were prepared with a variety of microstructures. Analysis by ¹¹⁹Sn-NMR and comparison to model compounds showed no cis-1,4-initiation of the butadiene. The initiation sites found were trans-1,4- and both 2,1- and 1,2-additions of the tin-lithium bound to a 1,3-butadiene. At low levels of added polar modifier, the 2,1-addition predominated. The ¹¹⁹Sn-NMR spectra allowed the assignment of the sequence distribution associated with the nearest eight main chain carbon atoms (2-4 monomer units) adjacent to the tin end groups. No initiation could be detected involving the styrene comonomer, but incorporation of styrene was detected as the first or second unit after initiation. The reaction of the allyl-tin end groups of these polymers with 1,2-napthoquinone was followed by NMR and was used to assign the peaks associated with 1,2-addition of the trialkyltin lithium to 1,3-butadiene. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis of poly(tetrahydrofuran)‐b‐polystyrene block copolymers from dual initiators for cationic ring‐opening polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization

A dual initiator (4‐hydroxy‐butyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate), that is, a molecule containing two functional groups capable of initiating two polymerizations occurring by different mechanisms, has been prepared. It has been used for the sequential two‐step synthesis of well‐defined block copolymers of polystyrene (PS) and poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTHF) by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and cationic ring‐opening polymerization (CROP). This dual initiator contains a bromoisobutyrate group, which is an efficient initiator for the ATRP of styrene in combination with the Cu(0)/Cu(II)/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine catalyst system. In this way, PS with hydroxyl groups (PS‐OH) is formed. The in situ reaction of the hydroxyl groups originating from the dual initiator with trifluoromethane sulfonic anhydride gives a triflate ester initiating group for the CROP of tetrahydrofuran (THF), leading to PTHF with a tertiary bromide end group (PTHF‐Br). PS‐OH and PTHF‐Br homopolymers have been applied as macroinitiators for the CROP of THF and the ATRP of styrene, respectively. PS‐OH, used as a macroinitiator, results in a mixture of the block copolymer and remaining macroinitiator. With PTHF‐Br as a macroinitiator for the ATRP of styrene, well‐defined PTHF‐b‐PS block copolymers can be prepared. The efficiency of PS‐OH or PTHF‐Br as a macroinitiator has been investigated with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and NMR. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3206–3217, 2003     

Polymerization of vinyl compounds with heterocyclic groups. IV. Thermal polymerization of 2-vinylthiophene

2-Vinylthiophene was found to undergo thermal polymerization. With benzene as diluent, the overall rate of polymerization was proportional to the 2.5 power of monomer concentration, suggesting that the thermal initiation is a termolecular process. The following Arrhenius equation was obtained from the polymerization data for the range 55–100°C: The activation energy of the thermal initiation was estimated to be 28.2 kcal/mole, which was similar to those values obtained for styrene and 2-vinylfuran. When a dilute solution of the monomer in bromobenzene was heated in an ampoule at 151°C, a dimer, mp 82°C, was obtained in a good yield. The spectroscopic data indicated that the dimer was a Diels-Alder type adduct. The initiation of the thermal polymerization was considered to involve hydrogen abstraction by monomer from the Diels-Alder dimer, in common with the initiation of other vinylaromatic monomers.     

Free-radical polymerization of styrene in worm-like micelles

The solubilization of styrene in wormlike micelles of the cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium tosilate (CTAT), and its polymerization is examined here by UV spectroscopy, oscillatory rheometry, small angle X-ray scattering, polarizing light microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. At low CTAT concentrations, the polymerization of styrene yields small and rigid rods in coexistence with wormlike micelles that form from the excess surfactant after the polymerization process. At high CTAT concentrations, polymeric rods (of large aspect ratio), spheroid polymer particles, and wormlike micelles coexist. The polymerization rate is second order, indicating that polymerization reactions end mainly by bimolecular termination.     

Influence of catalyst depletion or deactivation on polymerization kinetics. II. Nonsteady-state polymerization

The number-average and weight-average degrees of polymerization at the end of the polymerization process have been calculated in terms of the initial monomer concentration, initial catalyst concentration, and rate constants for various polymerization processes, all of which assume instantaneous initiation. The mechanisms differ among themselves in that there is either first-order catalyst deactivation, or transfer to monomer, or both. The calculation is greatly simplified if only the molecular weights at the end of polymerization are considered. The method given is particularly useful for systems where the calculation of the distribution function as a function of time is complicated. The fact that the monomer concentration and catalyst concentration have a marked effect on the molecular weight provides a good test of the validity of the mechanism under consideration. A comparison of the calculated and observed molecular weights obtained for the homogeneous polymerization of acrylonitrile with an organometallic catalyst will be given in a later communication.     

Studies on ceric–thiol-initiated aqueous vinyl polymerization with particular reference to end groups in poly(methyl methacrylate)

Ceric-thiol systems are good initiators for the acid aqueous polymerization of some water-soluble Vinyl monomers although not for styrene (in aqueous emulsion) and vinyl acetate. Thiols used are 2-mercaptoethanol, thioglycolic acid, 2-mercaptoethylamine hydrochloride, and L -cysteine hydrochloride. The polymerization proceeds through a radical mechanism. End-group analysis of poly(methyl methacrylate) obtained by initiation with various ceric-thiol systems has been carried out using Palit's dye testes. Hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine end groups (to the extent of about one per polymer molecule) were incorporated in poly(methyl methacrylate)s obtained by initiation with 2-mercaptoethanol, thioglycolic acid, and 2-mercaptoethylamine hydrochloride, respectively, each in combination with Ce⁴⁺ ions; both amine and carboxyl end groups were obtained using C⁴⁺/L -cysteine hydrochloride initiator system. From the end-group results, the initiating species have been identified and the initiation mechanism prooposed. The probable termination mechanism also has been discussed.     

Anionic polymerization and copolymerization of acrylophenone

The n-butyllithium-initiated polymerization of a mixture of acrylophenone (AP) and styrene produces only poly(AP), indicating that a chain ending in an AP enolate ion is not sufficiently nucleophilic to add to styrene. Radical copolymerization of AP and styrene yields a polymer containing 65% AP (at 41% conversion). In contrast, lithium dispersion-initiated polymerization of AP and styrene produces a product containing 50–99% AP, depending upon conversion. This observation is discussed in terms of current knowledge concerning alkali metal-initiated polymerization.     

Comments on the determination of absolute rate constants in anionic polymerization

Claims have recently been made that absolute rate constants for chain propagation of the unassociated active centers can be made in systems where a high degree of association is present. Anionic polymerization of styrene in nonpolar solvents with lithium as counterion is a typical case. The conditions required to obtain these constants (and the associated aggregate dissociation constants) are described using data from styrene polymerization with lithium and potassium as counterions and data from o-methoxystyrene polymerization. The conclusion reached must be that the k_p and K_ds values obtained for styrene with counterion lithium cannot be obtained from existing literature data and are simply artifacts of the computer analysis. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1065–1068, 1998