Polymerization of a Monomer Using Charged or Functionalized Fullerenes as Initiators

Polymerization of a Monomer Using Charged or Functionalized Fullerenes as Initiators 

In the first reported polymerization by charged fullerenes, butadiene was initiated using and cations produced by electron bombardment of Cgo and C70 vapor [86]. Mono- and di-adducts were formed by addition of up to five butadienes per positive charge. This work was further extended to the trications and, despite the complexity of the mechanisms involved, multiple additions of other monomers such as allene and propyne were observed [87]. 

Anionic Polymerization Initiated by Fullerides Cgo or Living Polymer Stars with a Fullerene Core (Polymer)xC6o (M, (x 6 M = Li, Na, K) 

Alkali metal salts of fullerenes C ) (M ), were also tested as initiators for polymerization in polar solvents. Only the hexa-anion was able to initiate reactive monomers like methyl methacrylate, but not non-polar monomers hke styrene. In all cases, the initiation proceeds through electron transfer to the monomer so that no fullerene is incorporated [95]. The reduced fullerenes initiate polymerization like classical radical anions or dianions of aromatic or conjugated molecules and therefore this synthetic route is of limited interest. 

The carbanions present at the fullerene core of hving (PS),Qo (Li ), (x 6) obtained through grafting of PSLi in non-polar solvents (1, 2, b2) offer much greater possibilities. If six carbanions are located on the fullerene core their delocalization is restricted and the negative charges become reactive enough to open the double bond of a vinyl monomer such as styrene, butadiene or isoprene [95], 

---