Anionic synthesis of amine ω-terminated β-myrcene polymers

Abstract

Well-defined amine ω-terminated β-myrcene polymers were synthetized via anionic living polymerization under an inert atmosphere with dropwise addition of equimolar amounts of N-benzylidenetrimethylsilylamine to β-myrcene polymer living chain ends in benzene at 25 °C. Chain coupling and acetophenone polymers were not detected as side products. End-group titration with perchloric acid showed a polymer amination yield of up to 85 % of ω-terminated β-myrcene polymers. The amine ω-terminated β-myrcene polymers were synthesized with a narrow molecular weight distribution (\( \overset{-}{M_w}/\overset{-}{M_n} \) ≈ 1.1) as calculated by GPC analysis using polystyrene standards. Functionalization of the amine group in the polymer chain was corroborated with FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-RMN spectra. A higher yield of the amine ω-terminated β-myrcene polymer was not achieved due to differences in isomer conformation in the β-myrcene polymer.