6 - Functionalization via Reactive Polyolefins Containing Borane Groups

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the reactive polyolefin containing borane groups, and discusses its advantages. The borane approach provides a very effective method for the functionalization of polyolefin with well-controlled polymer structure. This general method can be applied to all polyolefins and to most functional groups. This process is particularly suitable in the preparation of hydroxylated polymers because of the quantitative conversion under mild reaction conditions. In direct polymerization, the borane containing α-olefins behaves like α-olefins and can be effectively incorporated into polyolefin structures. This facile chemistry is because of a unique combination of the stability of borane moiety to transition metal catalysts, the solubility of borane compounds in the hydrocarbon solvents used in transition metal polymerizations, and advances in metallocene catalysis that allow the effective incorporation of high monomers. In post-polymerization, the hydroboration reactions are very effective because of the excellent reactivity of boron hydride to olefinic units in the unsaturated polyolefin, and the good solubility of borane compounds in the hydrocarbon solvents used in the reactions.