Synthesis of disubstituted amine-functionalized diene-based polymers

Abstract Diene-based polymers with two amine groups within each repeat unit were successfully synthesized by bulk and solution free radical polymerization techniques. All polymers have exclusive 1,4-microstructure. The number average molecular weights of the materials obtained were in the range of 30–52 × 10 3  g/mol using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), t -butyl peracetate ( t -BPA), or t -butyl hydroperoxide ( t -BHP) as the initiators. The highest molecular weight achieved was 72 × 10 3  g/mol when t -butyl peroxide ( t -BPO) was used as the initiator. Quantitative quaternization was achieved yielding hydrophilic water soluble polymers. Prior to quaternization, the polymers are hydrophobic and dissolve in most organic solvents.