Synthesis of high-vinyl polymers and copolymers of butadiene on the basis of a new soluble organosodium catalyst

Abstract

A new process for the synthesis of high-vinyl (50–70 % 1.2-units) butadiene polymers and copolymers on the basis of hydrocarbon-soluble organosodium catalyst is proposed. The catalyst can be readily synthesized in aliphatic solvents from commercially available starting materials; the equipment common for the synthesis of organolithiums is suitable. Main parametres of butadiene polymerization and styrene-butadiene copolymerization including kinetics, molecular weights and monomer reactivity ratios for copolymerization were investigated. The synthesis of polystyrene, 3.4-polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene block-copolymers, non-functional butadiene and styrene-butadiene liquid rubbers, and other high-vinyl polymers is also possible.