The preparation of functionalized polymers by ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Citation

Hillmyer, Marc Andrew (1995) The preparation of functionalized polymers by ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-10092007-111841

Abstract

NOTE: Text or symbols not renderable in plain ASCII are indicated by [...]. Abstract is included in .pdf document. The preparation of polymers that contain functional groups either along the backbone, as side chains, or at the chain ends by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) was investigated. In Chapter 1, the recently developed aqueous ROMP was exploited in the synthesis of a polymer with pendant imide groups. The polymerization of exo-N-methyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide was accomplished in aqueous solution under mild conditions using the simple ruthenium(II) coordination complex [...] (tos=p-toluenesulfonate). The resultant high molecular weight polymer was isolated in high yield, exhibited a [...], and was thermally stable up to [...]. Hydrogenation of the polymer yielded its saturated analog which exhibited a lower [...] but a higher temperature of decomposition [...]. Requirements for successful polymerization were investigated. In Chapter 2, the ROMP of a variety of 5-substituted cyclooctenes by the well-defined metathesis catalyst [...] (1) was accomplished. The polymers were obtained in moderate to good yields. The structures of the polymers were investigated by [...] spectroscopies. The molecular weight of one of the derivatives was controlled by varying the monomer to catalyst ratio and by the addition of a chain transfer agent to the polymerization solution. The thermal properties of the polymers are reported. In Chapter 3, the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cyclooctadiene (COD) by three well-defined metathesis catalysts in the presence of a variety of chain transfer agents (CTAs) is described. Expressions for the theoretical molecular weight and functionality were derived for this type of ROMP system. Hydroxytelechelic polybutadienes (HTPBDs) synthesized contained one type of regiochemistry in the repeat unit (1,4) and one type of alcoholic endgroup. The molecular weight of the HTPBDs was controlled by the ratio of COD to CTA and number average functionalities that approached 2.0 were obtained at high CTA to catalyst ratios.

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