Synthesis and properties of cyclopropane derivatives of polybutadienes

Polymer products containing methoxycarbonyl-substituted cyclopropane groups in macromolecules with degrees of functionalization up to 40% have been obtained through the interaction of polybutadiene with methyl diazoacetate in an organic solvent in the presence of an organometallic catalyst. The comparative catalyst activity in the reaction of cyclopropanation of polybutadiene has been estimated. The incorporation of methoxycarbonyl-substituted cyclopropane groups into polydiene units results in substantial changes in the polymer properties: solution viscosity, melt flow, glass-transition temperature, and thermal stability.