Unprecedented control over polymerization of n-hexyl isocyanate using an anionic initiator having synchronized function of chain-end protection.
The living anionic polymerization of isocyanates carried out using conventional initiators is associated with side reactions due to rapid initiation rates as well as back-biting by the growing chain, resulting in a lack of control on the molecular weight (MW) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the polymers. Successful control over the reaction was possible by using additives that could prevent back-biting. We find an initiator in sodium benzanilide (Na-BA), which has a slow initiation rate combined with additive function, so that use of an external additive is eliminated. The initiator has resulted in polymers with high yields and an unprecedented control over the MW and MWD. It is possible to introduce a number of functionalities at the termini of the polymer by using Na-BA derivatives as well as suitable terminating agents, leading to macromonomer, reactive and chiral polymers, and chiral macromonomer in approximately 100% yields. In the process, the finding has expanded the scope of polyisocyanates in diverse applications.
Ahn
Jun-Hwan
JH
Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Center for Frontier Materials (BK21), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), 1 Oryong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, Korea.
Shin
Yeong-Deuk
YD
Nath
G Yogendra
GY
Park
Sang-Yoon
SY
Rahman
M Shahinur
MS
Samal
Shashadhar
S
Lee
Jae-Suk
JS