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Microflow System Controlled Carbocationic Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers
Author(s) -
Nagaki Aiichiro,
Iwasaki Takeshi,
Kawamura Kohsuke,
Yamada Daisuke,
Suga Seiji,
Ando Tuyoshi,
Sawamoto Mitsuo,
Yoshida Junichi
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
chemistry – an asian journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.18
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1861-471X
pISSN - 1861-4728
DOI - 10.1002/asia.200800081
Subject(s) - cationic polymerization , living cationic polymerization , polymerization , polymer chemistry , vinyl ether , monomer , chemistry , molar mass distribution , polymer , chemical engineering , materials science , organic chemistry , engineering
A “cation pool” of an N ‐ acyliminium ion was found to serve as an effective initiator of cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers in a microflow system consisting of two micromixers (IMM micromixer) and two microtube reactors. The cationic polymerization of n ‐butyl vinyl ether in CH 2 Cl 2 at −78 °C led to very narrow molecular weight distribution ( M w / M n =1.14). The molecular weight ( M n ) increased linearly with an increase in monomer/initiator ratio. The carbocationic polymer end was effectively trapped by allyltrimethylsilane. Additionally, the synthesis of block polymers was accomplished by the present microflow system controlled method. The polymerization was also conducted using commercially available trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH) as an initiator. A high level of molecular weight control was attained even at −25 °C. The TfOH‐initiated polymerization could be conducted using a microflow system based on T‐shaped micromixers, which serves as a practical tool for microflow system controlled carbocationic polymerization.