| Abstract: | For the polymerization of n-octadecene-1 with catalysts derived from titanium tetrachloride and triethylaluminum, it has been shown that, in addition to polymerization of the olefin, the formation of isomerized olefin occurs. The latter is predominantly trans-n-octadecene-2 and its formation is favored by increase in Al:Ti mole ratio, in catalyst concentration, and in reaction temperature. It has also been shown that 1,1-disubstituted ethylene is present in the nonpolymeric reaction products. The influence of added trans-n-octadecene-2 or trans-n-octadecene-7 on the polymerization of n-octadecene-1 has been studied, and it is shown that the 2-isomer has the more pronounced effect on polymer yield and intrinsic viscosity. It has also been shown that no significant copolymerization of terminal with nonterminal octenes or octadecenes occurs under these conditions. Results indicate that, in polymerizations of this kind, the interaction of catalyst with isomerized monomer is probably an important factor in determining polymer yield and molecular weight. The isomerization reaction is also of interest as a general preparative method for trans-2-olefins. |
