NMR identification of C11 to C40 branched hydrocarbons derived from the decomposition of polyisobutylene

The composition of nonvolatile fluids obtained from thermally cracking and hydrogenating polyisobutylene was determined by using a combination of gas chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). This work involved the separation and characterization of a homologous series, C11–C40, of sixteen branched hydrocarbon species consisting of repeating isobutylene structures. As a result of this investigation, useful correlations between NMR spectra and molecular structure for highly branched hydrocarbons were developed. The data demonstrate that these hydrocarbons are unique species characterized by “crowded” and sterically hindered geminal methyl and isolated methylene groups. NMR solvent shift studies in benzene solutions indicate that it is possible to differentiate between maximally crowded geminal methyl groups and between maximally crowded methylene groups in these structures. Results of the benzene-induced solvent effects are discussed with respect to the stereochemistry of these molecules and related to existing solvent shift data. These results suggest that these hydrocarbons are polar or nearly polar materials. Successive losses of isobutylene units from stabilized tertiary radicals can account for the formation of the major species identified in these fluids. Higher carbon numbered species have lower refractive indices and densities and higher molal volumes than predicted by calculations.