Anionic Polymerization and Copolymerization of Hydrocarbon Monomers Catalyzed by Organobarium Initiators

The barium salt of the dimeric dianion of 1,1-diphenylethylene (Ba-DPhE) initiates polymerization and copolymerization of monomers capable of anionic polymerization (butadiene, isoprene, styrene) in ethereal and hydrocarbon solvents. Ba-DPhE is more stereospecific in butadiene polymerization (up to 70% of cis-1, 4-units in hydrocarbon medium) than initiators based on other metals of Groups I and II. The relative reactivity of monomers in copolymerization processes in THF decreases in an order typical for anionic polymerization: styrene > butadiene > isoprene. The most interesting feature of organobarium initiators is their ability to form random butadiene-styrene copolymers with high cis-1,4-butadiene unit content when copolymerization proceeds in a hydrocarbon medium.

A new phenomenon in anionic polymerization, the dependence of diene units structure on copolymer composition, was observed. Thus an increase of styrene content in butadienestyrene copolymer leads to conversion of cis-1,4-butadiene units into trans-1,4-units (in benzene) or to conversion of 1,4-units to 1,2-units (in THF). Similarly, an increase of butadiene content in its copolymer with isoprene (in benzene) leads to conversion of cis-1,4-isoprene units into trans-1,4-units.

Spectrophotometric, conductometric, and viscometric methods were used to study organobarium active centers. Certain anomalies connected with the formation of specific aggregates due to coupling of bifunctional hydrocarbon chains with bivalent counterions were observed.     

Hydrocarbon polymers containing six-membered rings in the main chain. Microstructure and properties of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene)

The relationship between the microstructure and the properties of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene)s, obtained by living anionic polymerization with an alkyllithium/amine system, and their hydrogenated derivatives are reported. The 1,2-bond/1,4-bond molar ratio of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) was determined by measuring 2D-NMR with the H H COSY method. The glass transition temperature of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) was found to rise with an increase in the ratio of 1,2-bonds to 1,4-bonds or with an increase of the number average molecular weight. The 1,2-bond of the polymer chain gives a high flexural strength and heat distortion temperature. Hydrogenated poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) has the highest T_g (231°C) among all hydrocarbon polymers ever reported. 1,3-Cyclohexadiene–butadiene–1,3-cyclohexadiene triblock copolymer and 1,3-cyclohexadiene–styrene–1,3-cyclohexadiene triblock copolymer have high heat resistance and high mechanical strength. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1657–1668, 1998     

Oxidation of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene): Influence of the polymer chain structure

The influence of the microstructure on the oxidation of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) (PCHD) homopolymer, obtained by anionic polymerization with alkyllithium/amine systems, was investigated for the first time. PCHD has a structure consisting of a main chain formed by 1,2‐addition (the 1,2‐CHD unit) and 1,4‐addition (the 1,4‐CHD unit). The molar ratio of 1,2‐CHD/1,4‐CHD units in the polymer chain strongly influenced the extent of oxidation of PCHD. A polymer chain with a high content of 1,4‐CHD units was easily oxidized by air and 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ). In contrast, the progress of oxidation was prevented in the case of PCHD containing 52% of 1,2‐CHD units. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 837–845, 2006     

Aggregation of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene): Effects of molecular weight and polymer chain structure

The aggregation of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) (PCHD), obtained by anionic polymerization with alkyllithium/amine systems, was examined using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and size exclusion chromatography coupled with a multiangle laser light scattering photometer (SEC‐MALS). The PCHD polymer chain has a structure consisting of a main chain formed by 1,2‐addition (the 1,2‐CHD unit) and 1,4‐addition (the 1,4‐CHD unit). Mild stirring with relatively low temperature in the polymerization reaction forms an aggregation of PCHD. The molecular weight and molar ratio of 1,2‐CHD/1,4‐CHD units in the polymer chain strongly influence the aggregation of PCHD. In a high molecular weight PCHD, containing ～50% 1,2‐CHD units, an aggregation of the polymer was observed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution at room temperature. This aggregation of PCHD was soluble in 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene (TCBz) and could be separated into each polymer molecule. In contrast, a polymer chain with a high content of 1,4‐CHD units having a relatively low cis‐stereospecificity was easily soluble in THF and TCBz without aggregating. A long polymer chain structure with a high content of 1,2‐CHD units is considered to be the reason for the generation of strong intermolecular forces contributing to the aggregation of PCHD with the solvophobic interactions. The degree of aggregation could be controlled by the conditions of the PCHD polymer solution. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1442–1452, 2006     

Anionic polymerization of 1,3‐cyclohexadiene with alkyllithium/amine system in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent: Predominant formation of 1,2‐addition product

Steric hindrance of the amine strongly affected the formation of the dominant 1,2‐addition product from the anionic polymerization of 1,3‐cyclohexadiene (1,3‐CHD) initiated by the alkyllithium (RLi)/amine system in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent. 1,2‐Cyclohexadiene (1,2‐CHD)/1,4‐cyclohexadiene (1,4‐CHD) unit molar ratios from 85/15 to 93/7 were obtained using an RLi/N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) system in toluene. The C? Li bonds of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadienyl)lithium (PCHDLi)/TMEDA complex in toluene appeared to be strongly polarized with small steric hindrance. Intermolecular forces contributing to the aggregation were strong for high‐molecular‐weight poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) (PCHD) consisting of almost all 1,2‐CHD units. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6604–6611, 2008     

β‐Diketiminate‐supported magnesium alkyl: synthesis,structure and application as co‐catalyst for polymerizations mediated by a lanthanum half‐sandwich complex

Mg(n‐Bu){η²‐HC[C(Me)NMes]₂} ( 2 ) (Mes = mesityl, 2,4,6‐Me₃C₆H₂), a new β‐diketiminate‐supported magnesium alkyl, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The X‐ray analysis of the lanthanum half‐sandwich complex Cp*La(BH₄)₂(THF)₂ ( 1 ) (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; THF = tetrahydrofuran) is also reported. Complex 2 has been assessed as both alkylating agent and chain transfer agent for the lanthanum‐catalysed polymerization and coordinative chain transfer polymerization of isoprene and styrene using 1 as the pre‐catalyst. The results are compared with those for n‐butylethylmagnesium (BEM) which is traditionally used for this purpose. The 1,4‐trans stereospecific polymerization of isoprene shows a more controlled character using 2 versus BEM, and higher activities are observed for the chain transfer polymerization of styrene when 2 is used as chain transfer agent. The activity is in turn lower than that observed using BEM when 1 equiv. of magnesium compound is used for the polymerization of styrene. The combination of 1 , 2 and Al(i‐Bu)₃ leads finally to a 1,4‐trans stereoselective coordinative chain transfer polymerization of isoprene, in a similar way to BEM. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Alkali Metal Adducts of Aromatic Nitro Compounds—Reactions and Use in Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers

Abstract

The reaction of alkali metals with nitrobenzene and p-nitro-toluene in THF at various molar ratios was found to lead to the formation of radical ions, dianions, and alkali metal adducts of reduction derivatives of the nitro compounds such as azo- and azoxybenzene. The anionic polymerization of styrene, methyl methacrylate, methacrylonitrile, and acrylo-nitrile by these anions was investigated. All the initiators did not polymerize styrene while the least reactive radical-anion was found to polymerize acrylonitrile completely, methacrylonitrile to a small extent, but not methyl methacrylate.

The order of reactivity of those adducts toward organic halides was similar to that found in polymerization. Metalla-tion of polynitrostyrene by lithium biphenyl solution led only to partial conversion of the nitro groups to radical-anions which were not reactive.     

Electronic structure,conformation and reactivity of active centres of anionic polymerization with an aluminium counterion

The quantum-chemical CNDO/2 method was used in connection with the anionic polymerization of unsaturated compounds initiated by organoaluminium compounds. Comparison of the results for model compounds Al(XH_n)₃ H₂AlXHP_n (X = O, N, C) with the data for analogous lithium and magnesium derivatives showed that the polarity of the MtX bond (calculated taking account of the metal valency) and the order of this bond are reactivity indices. According to these indices, amido- and alkoxy-alkylaluminium derivatives should be reactive in initiation. Absent of activity for the alkoxy derivatives is probably due to the stability of their aggregates. The optimization of the geometry of the molecule CH₃CH(COOCH₃)AlH₂, modelling the propagation active centre, showed that, as a result of the competing interaction of the Al atom with the growing chain and the side radical, the AlC bond is greatly weakened. Its reactivity evaluated from the above mentioned indices exceeds that of alkylaluminium amide initiators. The geometry of the complex of the model compound, CH₃AlH₂, with the methyl acrylate molecule was favourable for the subsequent insertion of the monomer into the chain. Possible reasons for the discrepancy between the experimental and calculated data are considered for acrylonitrile.     

New Perspectives in Living/Controlled Anionic Polymerization

Summary: Control of the reactivity and selectivity of active species remains a major challenge in the course of living/controlled polymerizations of vinyl and heterocyclic monomers. We have found that alkyl metal derivatives such as dialkylmagnesium or trialkylaluminum derivatives or the corresponding alkoxyakyl metal derivatives, when added to conventional anionic polymerization systems, are very effective mediators for the controlled anionic polymerization of both styrenic and oxirane monomers. When used as additives to alkali metal alkyl initiators (alkyl lithium, alkyl sodium) for the styrene anionic polymerizations, they strongly retard the reactivity of the propagating species and allow controlling the polymerization in very unusual conditions (bulk, very high temperature). On the contrary, when used in combination to the same alkali metal based initiators for the anionic polymerization of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, these additives can drastically enhance the reactivity and the selectivity of the propagating species allowing a fast living-like polymerization to proceed already at low temperature in hydrocarbon media.     

Anionic living polymerization of styrenes containing electron-withdrawing groups

Six styrene derivatives containing electron-withdrawing groups were synthesized and polymerized with anionic initiators in THF to afford stable anionic living polymers. The electron-withdrawing substituents are N,N-dialkylamide(1), N-alkylimino(2), oxazoline(3), tert-butyl ester(4), N,N-dialkylsulfonamide(5) and cyano(6) moieties. The polymers obtained have predictable molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions. The respective postpolymerizations proceeded with quantitative efficiency indicating that each polymer chain end retained the propagating reactivity. However, the resulting living polymers could not initiate the polymerizations of styrene and isoprene. On the other hand, the styrene derivatives(5 and 6) were polymerized with weak nucleophilic initiators, such as living polymer of tert-butyl methacrylate. These results suggest that the electron-withdrawing groups stabilize the living ends and also activate the respective monomers for anionic polymerization. The substitution effect reflects on the ¹³C NMR chemical shift of β-carbon of each vinyl group. The signal of the β-carbon appeared at lower magnetic field than that of styrene indicating electron deficiency on the carbon-carbon double bond of these monomers.     

Chain‐end modification of living anionic polybutadiene with diphenylethylenes and styrenes

The first step in the transformation of poly(butadienyl)lithium into a macromolecular atom transfer radical polymerization initiator or reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer agent is the modification of the anionic chain end into a suitable leaving/reinitiating group. We have investigated three different modification reactions to obtain a styrenic end group at the chain end of poly(butadienyl)lithium. In all cases, we have looked at the influence of a Lewis base on the progress of the reaction. The first modification reaction with α‐methylstyrene leads to partial functionalization and oligomerization. The second reaction with 1,2‐diphenylethylenes, particularly trans‐stilbene, results in monoaddition to the poly(butadienyl)lithium chain ends. Quantitative functionalization is not obtained, possibly because of a hydrogen abstraction reaction, which causes termination. In the third modification reaction, a small polystyrene block is successfully added to the chain ends, as shown by a detailed matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analysis of the block copolymers. Nearly quantitative block copolymer formation is achieved, with an average styrene block size of four monomer units and a polydispersity index of 1.19 for the polystyrene block. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2536–2545, 2005     

A Novel Efficient Ligand in Anionic Polymerization at Elevated Temperature

This work confirmed a novel ligand in the anionic polymerization, lithium phenoxide, which helped to improve the controllability of the polymerization. The stability of n‐BuLi against THF at 0°C was effectively improved by adding lithium phenoxide. More than 60% n‐BuLi in THF was alive with the presence of lithium phenoxide after stirring at 0°C for 20 min, compared to 2% under same conditions but without lithium phenoxide. The propagation of polymerization of styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were retarded after adding lithium phenoxide. And by adding more than 10 fold lithium phenoxide, completed conversion was achieved in the polymerization of MMA in THF at 0°C. The lithium phenoxide showed both promoting and inhibiting effects in the polymerization of isoprene (Ip): it promoted the formation of 3,4‐structure, while mitigated the formation of 1,2‐ and 1,4‐structures. In general, the polymerization rate of Ip was promoted by lithium phenoxide.     

Block copolymers of polystyrene and poly(dimethyl siloxane). I. Synthesis and characterization

The block copolymers of the ABA type, poly(dimethyl siloxane-b-styrene-b-dimethyl siloxane), were synthesized by the anionic polymerization of styrene and cyclic siloxane monomer, hexamethyl cyclotrisiloxane (D₃) or octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D₄), with lithium or sodium biphenyl as initiator. The effect of initiator concentration, gegenion, and the polymerization temperature for styrene on molecular weight distribution (MWD) was investigated. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) data show broader MWD of polystyrene prepared by sodium biphenyl in comparison to that produced by lithium biphenyl. The block copolymers have been characterized by infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. The influence of dimethylsiloxy units on thermal stability of the copolymers has also been discussed.     

Trans-stereospecific polymerization of butadiene and random copolymerization with styrene using borohydrido neodymium/magnesium dialkyl catalysts

The combination of a neodymium borohydride, Nd(BH₄)₃(THF)₃ (1) or Cp^*Nd(BH₄)₂(THF)_x (2), with MgⁿBuEt (BEM), affords an efficient and highly selective (up to 96.7% 1,4-trans) catalyst for butadiene polymerization. In the presence of excesses of Mg co-catalyst, polymer chain transfer takes place between neodymium and magnesium, and significant amounts of 1,2-units are observed. When considered for butadiene-styrene statistical copolymerization, the catalytic system based on 2 showed a good ability to produce poly[(1,4-trans-butadiene)-co-styrene)], with strong impact of the Mg/Nd ratio on the yield and on the copolymer microstructure, including the percentage of inserted styrene (up to 16.9 mol%). Whatever the co-monomers concentration the polybutadiene backbone remained 1,4-trans. The precise microstructure of the polymers and copolymers was thoroughly analyzed by means of high resolution NMR spectroscopy (900 MHz) and MALDI-ToF spectrometry.     

C3 cyclopolymerization. I. Is the cyclopolymerization of 1,3-bis(p-vinylphenyl)-propane by means of radical or anionic initiators possible?

Polymerization of 1,3-bis(p-vinylphenyl) propane (St-C₃-St) was investigated by using radical and anionic initiators. Radical polymerization yielded linear polymer with pendant styryl groups in pertinent conditions without gelation. Anionic polymerization with n-butyllithium and sodium naphthalene produced insoluble polymers that, according to infrared (IR) spectroscopy, had no cyclized units. On the other hand, phenylmagnesium bromide gave soluble polymer in HMPA-benzene mixed solvent. Zero-valent nickel catalyst also gave soluble polymer. The soluble polymers could be analyzed by several spectroscopies, and it was confirmed that those obtained by anionic and coordination polymerization had no [3.3]paracyclophane units in the main chain. From these results it was concluded that cationic propagation could be assumed if the polymer Of St-C₃-St contained [3.3]paracyclophane units in the main chain.     

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 polypropylene graft copolymers by the combination of a polypropylene copolymer containing pendant vinylbenzene groups and atom transfer radical polymerization

This article discusses a facile and inexpensive reaction process for preparing polypropylene‐based graft copolymers containing an isotactic polypropylene (i‐PP) main chain and several functional polymer side chains. The chemistry involves an i‐PP polymer precursor containing several pendant vinylbenzene groups, which is prepared through the Ziegler–Natta copolymerization of propylene and 1,4‐divinylbenzene mediated by an isospecific MgCl₂‐supported TiCl₄ catalyst. The selective monoenchainment of 1,4‐divinylbenzene comonomers results in pendant vinylbenzene groups quantitatively transformed into benzyl halides by hydrochlorination. In the presence of CuCl/pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, the in situ formed, multifunctional, polymeric atom transfer radical polymerization initiators carry out graft‐from polymerization through controlled radical polymerization. Some i‐PP‐based graft copolymers, including poly(propylene‐g‐methyl methacrylate) and poly(propylene‐g‐styrene), have been prepared with controlled compositions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 429–437, 2005     

Dehydrogenation of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene)–polystyrene binary block copolymers

The dehydrogenation of poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene)–polystyrene binary block copolymers obtained by anionic copolymerization with alkyllithium/amine systems was investigated for the first time. The dehydrogenation of the poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) block, which was composed of 1,2‐cyclohexadiene (1,2‐CHD) and 1,4‐cyclohexadiene (1,4‐CHD) units, was strongly affected by the polymer chain structure. The existence of 1,2‐CHD units prevented the dehydrogenation of the poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) block in the binary block copolymer. The rate of dehydrogenation was fast on a long sequence of 1,4‐CHD units, whereas it was relatively slow for 1,2‐CHD/1,4‐CHD (≈1/1) unit sequences. The bonding of the polystyrene block to the polymer chain effectively improved not only the rate of dehydrogenation of a long sequence of 1,4‐CHD units but also that of the polymer chain with a high content of 1,2‐CHD units. The dehydrogenation of a poly(1,3‐cyclohexadiene) block containing a small number of 1,2‐CHD units progressed via step‐by‐step reactions. The dehydrogenation of a long sequence of 1,4‐CHD units proceeded as the first step. Subsequently, in the second step, the 1,2‐CHD/1,4‐CHD (≈1/1) unit sequences remaining in the polymer chain were dehydrogenated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3526–3537, 2006     

Anionic methods for synthesis of star polymers

Leading position among numerous methods for synthesis of star polymers is occupied, as regards their potential and diversity, by techniques based on the anionic polymerization. The review considers five basic approaches to application of the anionic polymerization mechanisms in relation to an agent used or procedure employed (methods with polyfunctional coupling agents, multifunctional initiators, polymerizing and nonpolymerizing divinyl agents; multistage methods, methods using C₆₀ fullerene). All groups of syntheses are illustrated by examples, and advantages of methods for synthesis of various homo- and heteroarm star structures are demonstrated. Particular attention is given to syntheses with C₆₀ fullerene. The potential of C₆₀ fullerene as a coupling agent for “living” polymer chains and methods for conversion of polymeric derivatives of C₆₀ (hexaadducts) to polyfunctional macroinitiators of anionic polymerization are described and techniques for functionalization of polymeric fullerene derivatives and their coupling into structures with a complex controllable architecture are presented.     

Further Studies on the Anionic Copolymerization of Styrene and Glycidyl Methacrylate in Toluene

Sequential anionic copolymerization of styrene and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was performed with the protection of argon under normal pressure, where styrene, GMA, toluene, THF, n-butyllithium and a small amount of lithium chloride (LiCl) were used as first monomer, second monomer, solvent, polar reagent, initiator and additive, respectively. Polystyrene-b-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers (PS-b-PGMA) with well-defined structure and narrow molecular weight distribution were prepared by the copolymerization reaction of poly(styryl)lithium with GMA under certain temperatures. The copolymers were characterized using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and hydrochloric acid-dioxane argentimetric methods. The effects of additives, copolymerization temperature and THF dosage on the copolymerization were studied. No chain transfer reaction of anionic polymerization of styrene in toluene was observed. Slightly broader molecular weight distribution of PS-b-PGMA was observed with the increase the GMA repeat units. Using THF/toluene blend solvent could reduce the polydispersity index (M _w /M _n ) and dissolve the copolymer better than toluene alone. Lower temperature (< -40°C) and LiCl are required to prepare PS-b-PGMA with narrower molecular weight distribution.