Abstract

AbstractMethylenecyclobutene (MCB) and 1‐methyl‐3‐methylenecyclobutene (MMCB) were synthesized, characterized, and polymerized by anionic and cationic initiators. Structural analyses of the polymers were carried out by infrared and NMR spectros‐copy. The cationic polymerization of MCB appeared to proceed entirely by a 1,5‐propagation mechanism to form low molecular weight polymers in low yields. Anionic polymerization of this monomer, on the other hand, proceeded primarily through a 1,2‐propagation path, again forming only low molecular weight polymeric products in low yield. In contrast to MCB, the methyl‐substituted monomer, MMCB, polymerized readily with cationic initiators to produce unusually high molecular weight polymers in high conversions. On the basis of both infrared and NMR spectroscopic analyses, it was concluded that the polymers also contained essentially only 1,5‐addition repeating units. Anionic initiators such as n‐BuLi were unable to induce polymerization of this monomer, but polymerization by Ziegler‐Natta catalysts proceeded readily to yield polymers virtually identical in structure and molecular weight to those obtained with cationic initiators.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.