Abstract: A process for producing an unsaturated isoolefin copolymer involves: sonicating a solution of an initiator system in an organic solvent, the initiator system comprising a Lewis acid catalyst and a proton source, to produce a sonicated initiator solution, the sonicating performed at an energy input of 100 J/mL or greater, based on volume of the initiator solution; and then, contacting the sonicated initiator solution with a reaction mixture of at least one isoolefin monomer and at least one copolymerizable unsaturated monomer in an organic diluent to produce the unsaturated isoolefin copolymer. Sonication of the initiator solution improves catalyst activity, thereby improving conversion of the monomers during production of the unsaturated isoolefin copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy efficient, fast and environmentally favourable process for the preparation of chlorinated butyl rubbers, that uses hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and/or dichlorine monoxide (Cl2O) as halogenating agent. The process comprises reacting a copolymer with hypochlorous acid and/or dichlorine oxide. The copolymer comprises units derived from an isoolefin monomer and units derived from a multiolefin monomer. A preferred isoolefin is isobutene and a preferred multiolefin is isoprene.

Abstract: A process for producing an isoolefin homopolymer comprises: sonicating a solution of an initiator system in an organic solvent, the initiator system comprising a Lewis acid catalyst and a proton source selected from the group consisting of water, an alcohol, a phenol, a thiol, a carboxylic acid or any mixture thereof, to produce a sonicated initiator solution, the sonicating performed at an energy input of 100 J/mL or greater, based on volume of the initiator solution; and then, contacting the sonicated initiator solution with a reaction mixture of an isoolefin monomer in an organic diluent to produce the isoolefin homopolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy efficient, fast and environmentally favourable process for the preparation of chlorinated butyl rubbers, that uses hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and/or dichlorine monoxide (Cl2O) as halogenating agent. The process comprises reacting a copolymer with hypochlorous acid and/or dichlorine oxide. The copolymer comprises units derived from an isoolefin monomer and units derived from a multiolefin monomer. A preferred isoolefin is isobutene and a preferred multiolefin is isoprene.