3 - Direct Polymerization of B- and Si-containing Monomers

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the polymerization behaviors of both boron and silane functional groups of polyolefins using early transition metal catalysts. The direct polymerization of a functional monomer by early transition metal catalysts is limited to a few monomers containing hetero-atoms having Lewis acid or neutral states and forming covalent carbon hetero-atom bonds. Borane and silane groups exhibit stability to catalyst and solubility in hydrocarbon media. The chapter discusses the applications of these reactive polyolefins, especially the borane-containing polymers. Borane monomers behave like high α-olefins, both in terms of their reactivity and the molecular structure of the resulting polymers. The silane groups in polyolefins can serve as the crosslinking agent. However, they are not polar enough to greatly affect the polymer properties. Borane groups can be transformed to a remarkable variety of functionalities, and also serve as initiators in the preparation of graft and block copolymers.