About cookies on this site Our websites require some cookies to function properly (required). In addition, other cookies may be used with your consent to analyze site usage, improve the user experience and for advertising. For more information, please review your options. By visiting our website, you agree to our processing of information as described in IBM’sprivacy statement. To provide a smooth navigation, your cookie preferences will be shared across the IBM web domains listed here.
Publication
Macromolecules
Paper
Synthesis of Poly(p-hydroxy-α-methylstyrene) by Cationic Polymerization and Chemical Modification
Abstract
High molecular weight, soluble poly(p-hydroxy-α-methylstyrene) has been synthesized for the first time by cationic polymerization of p-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)oxy]-'-methylstyrene with boron trifluoride etherate as an initiator in liquid sulfur dioxide followed by thermolytic deprotection. Cationic polymerization of p-acetoxy-α-methylstyrene in dichloromethane followed by hydrazinolysis afforded the title compound, but the polymerization was accompanied by partial cleavage of the protecting group. Conventional cationic polymerization of p-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)oxy]-α-methylstyrene in dichloromethane resulted in formation of low molecular weight polymer accompanied by partial cleavage of the protecting group. Ether monomers, such as p-methoxy- and p-(ethoxymethoxy)-α-methylstyrenes, readily underwent cationic polymerization, while the p-(2-methoxyethoxy)methyl derivative suffered from partial deprotection and cross-linking. Removal of the ether protecting group was, in all cases, accompanied by chain degradation and/or cross-linking. Chemical modification of poly(α-methylstyrene) and poly(p-bromo-α-methylstyrene) by lithiation followed by hydroxylation produced cross-linked materials. © 1983, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.