Abstract: The subject invention discloses a technique for controlling the molecular weight of synthetic polymers which are made by anionic polymerization. This invention is based upon the discovery that the molecular weight of diene polymers made by anionic polymerization utilizing organolithium initiators can be reduced by conducting the polymerization in the presence of bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene) nickel. The present invention more specifically discloses a process for producing a polymer of controlled molecular weight by anionic polymerization, said process comprising initiating the anionic polymerization of at least one conjugated diolefin monomer with an organolithium compound, wherein the polymerization is conducted in the presence of bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene) nickel. This technique is particularly useful in synthesizing liquid polymers but can also be used to reduce the molecular weight of rubbery polymers.

Abstract: Cis-1,4-polybutadiene can be synthesized by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer with a three component nickel catalyst system containing (a) an organonickel compound, (b) an organoaluminum compound, and (c) a fluorine containing compound. However, the molecular weight of the cis-1,4-polybutadiene prepared is typically too high to be utilized as a non-oil extended rubber. This invention is based upon the discovery that para-styrenated diphenylamine acts to reduce the molecular weight and to improve the processability of cis-1,4-polybutadiene prepared with such nickel based catalyst systems. The use of para-styrenated diphenylamine as a modifier in such polymerizations does not change the microstructure of the cis-1,4-polybutadiene produced.

Abstract: Trans-1,4-polybutadiene is normally synthesized utilizing transition metal or rare earth catalysts. However, molecular weight control is difficult to achieve with such catalysts and the molecular weight of the polymer produced is frequently much higher than desired. By utilizing the catalyst system and techniques of this invention, trans-1,4-polybutadiene can be synthesized continuously to a high level of conversion with molecular weight control being possible. This invention specifically relates to a process for synthesizing trans-1,4-polybutadiene by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer in the presence of a catalyst system which is comprised of an organocobalt compound, an organoaluminum compound and a para-substituted phenol with molecular weight being controlled by conducting the polymerization in the presence of at least one dialkyl sulfoxide, diaryl sulfoxide or dialkaryl sulfoxide. Such polymerizations can be conducted on a batch or a continuous basis.

Abstract: High cis-1,4-polybutadiene can be synthesized by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene monomer with a three component nickel catalyst system containing (a) an organonickel compound, (b) an organoaluminum compound, and (c) a fluorine containing compound. However, the molecular weight of the high cis-1,4-polybutadiene prepared is typically too high to be utilized as a non-oil extended rubber. This invention is based upon the discovery that halogenated phenols act to reduce the molecular weight and to increase the molecular weight distribution of high cis-1,4-polybutadiene prepared with such nickel based catalyst systems. The use of halogenated phenols as modifiers in such polymerizations does not change the microstructure of the high cis-1,4-polybutadiene produced.

Abstract: High vinyl polybutadiene rubber has a combination of properties which makes it highly suitable for utilization in many applications. For instance, high vinyl polybutadiene possesses a number of properties that make it desirable for utilization in building tires. However, high vinyl polybutadiene rubber does not generally have optimal cure characteristics. More specifically, high vinyl polybutadiene rubber has a slow cure rate and in some cases the ultimate degree of cure which can be attained is lower than desired. This invention discloses a high vinyl polybutadiene rubber which has enhanced cure characteristics. The high vinyl polybutadiene rubbers of this invention are prepared by lightly halogenating a standard high vinyl polybutadiene which has a vinyl content of at least about 60%.

Abstract: Trans-1,4-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin by virtue of its high level of crystallinity. Because trans-1,4-polybutadiene contains many double bonds in its backbone, it can be blended and cocured with rubbers. Even through trans-1,4-polybutadiene is a thermoplastic resin, it becomes elastomeric when cured alone or when cocured with one or more rubbers. By utilizing the catalyst system and techniques of this invention, trans-1,4-polybutadiene can be synthesized continuously to a high level of conversion with only minimal amounts of gel formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of epoxidized synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene. The process involves reacting the synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene in a C.sub.5 -C.sub.7 aliphatic hydrocarbon with tertiary butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of a molybdenum catalyst at a reaction temperature ranging from about 20.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. The molybdenum catalyst is prepared by reacting together under a N.sub.2 atmosphere molybdenum pentachloride with a carboxylic acid of the formula:CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n COOHwherein n is an integer ranging from 8 to 28. The molar ratio of molybdenum pentachloride to the carboxylic acid ranges from about 1:1 to 1:3.

Abstract: A process for the regulation of the molecular weight of a high cis 1,4-polybutadiene prepared by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene in a solution of an aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic solvent system employing as a catalyst system a mixture of (1) an organonickel compound, (2) an organoaluminim compound and (3) a fluorine containing compound selected from the group consisting of hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen fluoride complexes prepared by complexing hydrogen fluoride with ketones, esters, ethers, alcohols, phenols and water, said polymerization being conducted in the presence of small amounts of alpha olefins such as ethylene and propylene.

Abstract: High vinyl polybutadiene rubber is utilized in a variety of applications. For instance, high vinyl polybutadiene is utilized in tire tread rubber compositions because it provides both good traction and rolling resistance. The present invention discloses a technique for synthesizing high vinyl polybutadiene utilizing a molybdenum catalyst system. This molybdenum catalyst system can be utilized in aliphatic solvents with high yields of about 75% being attained. The molybdenum catalyst systems of this invention are comprised of (a) a molybdenum containing compound which is prepared by modifying molybdenum pentachloride, molybdenum trichloride, or molybdenum tetrachloride with an alkyl carboxylic acid or an aryl carboxylic; and (b) an aluminum containing compound which is prepared by modifying a trialkyl aluminum compound with a phenol. The molecular weight of the high vinyl polybutadiene being prepared can be reduced by modifying the trialkyl aluminum compound with an allylphenol, such as 2-allylphenol.

Abstract: High molecular weight N,N-dimethylacrylamide copolymers and terpolymers were synthesized. These polymers offer outstanding advantages as injection water viscosifiers in enhanced oil recovery processes including chemical, miscible, and steam or in processes requiring profile improvement through adsorption and/or gelation. They are very valuable in applications where high salinity is a problem since they are relatively insensitive to metal salts (such as those containing polyvalent ions, such as Ca.sup.++ and Mg.sup.++.).

Abstract: Metals from Groups I and II of the periodic table are commonly used to initiate the polymerization of conjugated diolefin monomers into polymers. The polymers formed in such polymerizations are terminated with the metal used to initiate the polymerization and are sometimes referred to as living polymers. Reactive end groups can be affixed to the chain ends of such polymers by utilizing the process of this invention. Such reactive end groups can subsequently be reacted with the backbone of other polymer chains. This results in the formation of a polymer having a reduced number of dangling chain ends. The functionalizing agents which can be utilized in the preparation of such polymers include hexachlorocyclopentadiene, tetraalkylthiuram disulfides, and chlorinated phenyl fulvenes.

Abstract: High molecular weight N,N-dimethylacrylamide copolymers and terpolymers were synthesized. These polymers offer outstanding advantages as injection water viscosifiers in enhanced oil recovery processes including chemical, miscible, and steam or in processes requiring profile improvement through adsorption and/or gelation. They are very valuable in applications where high salinity is a problem since they are relatively insensitive to metal salts (such as those containing polyvalent ions, such as Ca.sup.++ and Mg.sup.++).

Abstract: High molecular weight N,N-dimethylacrylamide copolymers and terpolymers were synthesized. These polymers offer outstanding advantages as injection water viscosifiers in enhanced oil recovery processes including chemical, miscible, and steam or in processes requiring profile improvement through adsorption and/or gelation. They are very valuable in applications where high salinity is a problem since they are relatively insensitive to metal salts (such as those containing polyvalent ions, such as Ca.sup.++ and Mg.sup.++).

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the regulation of the molecular weight of high cis polybutadiene prepared by polymerizing butadiene under solution polymerization conditions employing as the catalyst system a mixture of (a) organoaluminum compounds; (b) organonickel compounds; and (c) fluorine containing compounds; said polymerization being conducted in the presence of nonconjugated diolefins of the formula of the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 may be; --CH.sub.2 --; --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 --; --C.sub.3 H.sub.6 --; ##STR2## and R.sub.2 may be H, --CH.sub.3, --C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or --C.sub.3 H.sub.7 and R.sub.2 is trans to R.sub.1.

Abstract: Aluminum cyclopentadienyl compounds can be used to synthesize a variety of organic molecules containing the cyclopentadiene group, e.g., substituted cyclopentadiene compounds, polymer molecules with cyclopentadiene pendant groups, and polymer molecules with cyclopentadiene terminal groups.

Abstract: Aluminum cyclopentadienyl compounds can be used to synthesize a variety of organic molecules containing the cyclopentadiene group, e.g., substituted cyclopentadiene compounds, polymer molecules with cyclopentadiene pendant groups, and polymer molecules with cyclopentadiene terminal groups.

Abstract: Aluminum cyclopentadienyl compounds can be used to synthesize a variety of organic molecules containing the cyclopentadiene group, e.g., substituted cyclopentadiene compounds, polymer molecules with cyclopentadiene pendant groups, and polymer molecules with cyclopentadiene terminal groups.

Abstract: Aluminum cyclopentadienyl compounds can be used to synthesize a variety of organic molecules containing the cyclopentadiene group, e.g., substituted cyclopentadiene compounds, polymer molecules with cyclopentadiene pendant groups, and polymer molecules with cyclopentadiene terminal groups.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for preparing a catalyst useful for olefin metathesis comprising a mixture of a salt of a metal selected from tungsten, molybdenum, rhenium and tantalum, an oxygenated organic compound selected from the group represented by the formula: ##STR1## said mixture being exposed to ultraviolet radiation to give approximately 0.4 kilowatt hours per mole of the metal salt.A process of olefin metathesis utilizing this catalyst is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method which comprises polymerizing a cycloolefin selected from the group consisting of cyclooctene and 1,5-cyclooctadiene by subjecting said cycloolefin to a catalyst comprising (A) a tungsten halide salt of the general formula R.sub.m.sub.-n WX.sub.n wherein X represents chlorine or bromine and R is selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, haloalkoxy, aryloxy, alkaryloxy, and acetyl acetonyl radicals containing up to 20 carbon atoms; m being 6 when X= Cl or 5 when X = Br; and wherein n may be 3 to 6 inclusive when X = Cl or 3 to 5 inclusive when X = Br and (B) an organoaluminum compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.