| Abstract: | 2-Methyl-2-butene oxide (2,3-epoxy-2-methylbutane) was polymerized with modified alkylaluminum initiators a t low temperatures to a high-melting, crystalline, film-forming polymer. High yields and comparatively high molecular weights were obtained with Al(i-Bu)3?xH2O initiators in inert diluents. When such initiators were modified with acetylacetone they became ineffective. Ammonia could be substituted for water in formulating an active initiator. Attempts to prepare an active initiator in the presence of the monomer were unsuccessful indicsting competition with the water for Al(i-Bu)3. Thermal decomposition of the polymer produced methyl isopropyl ketone with some pivaldehyde. |
