Microflow System Controlled Carbocationic Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers

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 CH2Cl2 at −78 °C led to very narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn=1.14). The molecular weight (Mn) 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.