Polymerization with Si-H Containing Initiator Initiating Systems

Cationic Polymerization with Si-H Containing Initiator/Me3Al Initiating Systems 

Si-H containing functional initiators have been obtained by reduction with LAH of the corresponding Si-Cl containing compounds. Conditions have been developed under which the benzylic chloride remains unchanged while the Si-Cl bond is converted to Si-H (for experimental details see Sect. H.C.). The initiators obtained are shown in Table 1. 

Where R = -OH2CH2y)CH2a or -CH2CH2 cCH2-Polymer, R = small or large (polymer) group, n = 1, 2 or 3. 

Prior to polymerization studies extensive model experiments have been carried out for guidance in selecting suitable preparative conditions. The next section concerns model experiments it is followed by two sections concerning polymerization of a-methyl-styrene and isobutylene, respectively. 

The Stability of Si-H Bonds under Carbenium Ion Polymerization Conditions 

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