Insertion/Isomerization Polymerization of 1,5-Hexadiene:  Synthesis of Functional Propylene Copolymers and Block Copolymers

Abstract

Polymerization of 1,5-hexadiene with a bis(phenoxyimine) titanium catalyst system is reported. The microstructure of the polymer contains the expected methylene-1,3-cyclopentane units as well as the unexpected 3-vinyl tetramethylene units. A mechanism for formation of this polymer is proposed. This unusual reaction is also employed in the synthesis of vinyl-functional polypropylene copolymers and block copolymers with low polydispersity indices