New telechelic polymers and sequential copolymers by polyfunctional initiator-transfer agents (Inifers)

Summary

The synthesis of α-phenyl-ω-t-chloropolyisobutylene PhPIB-Cl^t by the use of the cumyl chloride/BCl₃/isobutylene minifer system has been accomplished. This asymmetric telechelic prepolymer possesses exactly one phenyl head group and one t-chloro end group. The molecular weight of Ph-PIB-Cl^t can be readily controlled by the [I]_O/[M]_O ratio in a refluxing system. Experiments with other minifers, i.e., p-methylcumyl chloride, p-chlorocumyl chloride, α-methylbenzyl chloride and benzyl chloride have also been carried out and the results discussed in terms of carbenium ion stabilities.