Insertion/isomerization polymerization of 1,5-hexadiene: synthesis of functional propylene copolymers and block copolymers

J Am Chem Soc. 2002 Oct 2;124(39):11578-9. doi: 10.1021/ja0273748.

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.