Abstract: The subject invention discloses a process for preparing an initiator which contains a plurality of lithium atoms and which is particularly useful for initiating the polymerization of diolefin monomers into rubbery polymers; said process being comprised of reacting an alkyl lithium compound with an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing allylic, benzylic or aryl hydrogen atoms, wherein said process is conducted in the presence of a member selected from the group consisting of alkali metal alkoxides, alkali metal phenoxides, and chelating tertiary alkyl 1,2-ethylene diamines. After the initiators of this invention have been prepared they can be employed to initiate the polymerization of diolefin monomers into rubbery polymers. They can, of course, also be employed to initiate the copolymerization of diolefin monomers and vinyl aromatic monomers into rubbery polymers. These rubbery polymers can then be used in making tire tread compounds for automobiles and trucks.

Abstract: An anionic initiator system formed by the reaction product of: (1) an organolithium compound with (2) the reaction product of (a) a secondary amine and (b) diisopropenyl benzene, initiates polymerization to produce a polymer containing tertiary amine functional sites incorporated at the head of the polymer chain. A subclass of these polymers can be compounded to exhibit reduced hysteresis over conventionally prepared polymers.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional ether initiators of the following general structure:M--Q.sub.n --Z--OA(R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3) (II)wherein M is defined as an alkali metal, selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons and alkenylsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons; Z is defined as a branched or straight chain hydrocarbon tether or connecting group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms, optionally containing aryl or substituted aryl groups; A is an element selected from Group IVa of the periodic table and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl groups, and n is an integer from 1 to 5.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of an efficient industrial .alpha., .omega.-dilithio poly(conjugated diene) diinitiator having a peak molecular weight in the range of from 1000 to 3000, comprising the reaction of mono-organolithium initiator with diisopropenyl benzene in an apolar hydrocarbon solvent, optionally in the presence of a tertiary amine, followed by addition to the reaction mixture of a small amount of conjugated diene monomer and at least 15 vol % of an aromatic ether activator at a temperature in the range of from 0.degree. to 30.degree. C.; the use of said .alpha., .omega.-dithio initiator for the manufacture of symmetrical block copolymers by anionic polymerization, from monovinylaromatic, conjugated diene and/or polar vinyl compound monomers; and block copolymers so obtained having a combination of a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn.ltoreq.1.20) and relatively low vinyl content (.ltoreq.18%).

Abstract: A process for producing an aromatic polycarbonate having a weight average molecular weight of from 7,000 to 60,000 is disclosed, comprising melt polycondensing an aromatic diol compound (e.g., bisphenol A) and a diaryl carbonate compound (e.g., diphenyl carbonate) in the presence of a combination of (a) an alkali metal compound and (b) a phosphonium hydroxide compound (e.g., tetraethylphosphonium hydroxide) as an interesterification catalyst. The aromatic polycarbonate has improved heat resistance and hue.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional amine initiators of the following general structures: ##STR1## wherein M is defined as an alkali metal, selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons and alkenyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbons; Z is a hydrocarbon tether group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms; A is an element selected from Group IVa of the periodic table and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or substituted aryl groups, m is an integer from 0 to 7, and n is an integer from 1 to 5, monofunctional amine initiators produced by the process, use of the initiators in a polymerization process and polymers produced by the polymerization process.

Abstract: Aromatic polycarbonates manufactured by polycondensation of a dihydric compound and a carbonic acid diester using at least two reactors in series have improved color and low impurities content when filtered before the final reactor and again before the final reactor outlet.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon solutions of monofunctional amine initiators of the following general structures: ##STR1## wherein M is defined as an alkali metal, selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, Q is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group derived by incorporation of a compound selected from the group consisting of conjugated diene hydrocarbons and alkenyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbons; Z is a hydrocarbon tether group which contains 3-25 carbon atoms; A is an element selected from Group IVa of the periodic table and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or substituted aryl groups, m is an integer from 0 to 7, and n is an integer from 1 to 5, monofunctional amine initiators produced by the process, use of the initiators in a polymerization process and polymers produced by the polymerization process.

Abstract: An anionic polymerization initiator includes the C-lithio reaction product of an organolithium compound and a tertiary-amino allyllithium or a tertiary-amino xylyllithium. When used in an anionic polymerization, a functional group from the initiator is incorporated onto the head of the growing polymer and a lithium atom is incorporated at the "living" end of the polymer chain prior to quenching. The initiator may be used to polymerize a monomer(s) including diolefin monomers, monovinyl aromatic monomers and trienes, and the living ends of the polymers are effectively maintained even at temperatures of up to 300.degree. F. and higher. Such polymers exhibit an increased efficiency in coupling termination reactions, and products prepared from such polymers exhibit improved hysteresis characteristics. Products such as tires and the like can be prepared from such polymers and from vulcanizable elastomer compositions employing the polymers.

Abstract: A process for the production of an aromatic polycarbonate, which comprises polycondensing an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a diaryl carbonate in the presence, as a polycondensation catalyst, of at least one alkali metal salt selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts of ate-complexes of a metal element, which is silicon, germanium, stannum or plumbum, and alkali metal salts of oxoacids of said metal elements. The above aromatic polycarbonate is almost free from being colored, is also almost free from a decrease in polymerization degree when molded, and is further almost free from forming branches and insolubles.

Abstract: A linear, highly polymerized polyester is prepared by polycondensing a glycol ester of aromatic dicarboxylic acid and/or a low molecular weight condensate thereof by using as polycondensation catalyst a preformed antimony compound which is obtained from the reaction of esterified trimellitate with an antimony compound selected from a member of antimony halide, antimony carbyxylate and antimony carbyxylate. The above-mentioned esterified trimellitate is prepared by reacting trimellitic acid or trimellitic anhydride with alcohols such as alkyl alcohol or alkane diol and treating successively organic or inorganic base with the resultant reaction product, and comprises, depending on the type of alcohol used, a mixture of 1-alkoxycarbonyl-2,4-benzenedicarboxylate and 2-alkoxycarbonyl-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate or a mixture of 1-(hydroxyalkoxycarbonyl)-2,4-benzenedicarboxylate and as a main 2-(hydroxyalkoxycarbonyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate component.

Abstract: A liquid hydrocarbon soluble difunctional organolithium initiator (DFI) is reacted with an anionically polymerizable monomer, such as isoprene or 1,3-butadiene, in the presence of a diamine or a triamine to form a polymer having low polydispersity and high tensile strength. The DFI is prepared by reacting a dialkenylarylene compound with an alkyllithium in a nonpolar solvent and in the presence of sufficient quantities of a trisubstituted amine to prevent precipitation of the DFI in the solvent.

Abstract: The anionic polymerization of unsaturated monomers with functionalized initiators having the structure R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 Si--O--A'--Li is improved when each R is methyl and A' is --CH.sub.2 --C.sub.6 H.sub.10 --CH.sub.2 -- or --CH.sub.2 --CR'R"--CH.sub.2 -- wherein R' is a linear alkyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and R" is hydrogen or a linear alkyl having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. This initiator provides process and product advantages over all other known initiators of the same type.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward anionic polymerization initiators which are soluble in hydrocarbon solvents. The initiators include a lithio amine having the general formula ALi. The component A is a dialkyl or dicycloalkyl amine radical or a cyclic amine. The invention is also directed toward polymers and other products made using the initiator, and methods therefor. Further, the invention contemplates a polymer, a polymer composition and products therefrom, which include a functional group from the reaction product of an amine and an organolithium compound. The resulting polymers may be terminated with a terminating, coupling or linking agent, which may provide the polymer with a multifunctionality.

Abstract: It has been unexpectedly discovered that salts of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohols, such as the lithium, potassium, and sodium salts of tetrahydrofuryl alcohols, can be used to modify anionic polymerizations of conjugated diene monomers. These modifiers can be used to polymerize isoprene monomer into polyisoprene having from 20% to 30% 1,2-microstructure at excellent polymerization rates. This invention more specifically discloses a catalyst system which is particularly useful in the anionic polymerization of conjugated diene monomers into polymers which is comprised of (a) a initiator which is selected from the group consisting of organolithium compounds, organosodium compounds, organopotassium compounds, organomagnesium compounds, and organobarium compounds, and (b) a modifier which is a metal salt of a tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel compound, its use as an initiator in anionic polymerizations yielding norbornene-terminated homopolymers of block copolymers, and the further use of said norbornene-terminated polymers as macromonomers in the preparation of graft copolymers.

Abstract: A vulcanizable elastomeric compound and products such as pneumatic tires and the like, are formed from a functionalized polymer having a functional group derived from an anionic polymerization initiator. The anionic polymerization initiator comprises the general formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 -R.sup.5 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; alkyls having from alkyls having from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms; aralkyls having from 7 to about 20 carbon atoms; dialkylaminos having from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms; and, dialkylaminoalkyls having from 3 to about 20 carbon atoms. At least one of R.sup.1 -R.sup.5 is selected from the group consisting of the dialkylaminos and the dialkylaminoalkyls. Methods of the present invention include preparing functionalized polymers and reducing the hysteresis of vulcanizable elastomeric compounds.

Abstract: This system for priming the animic polymerization of (meth)acrylates includes at least one primer of the formula R--M (I) in which M represents a metal selected from alkaline and alkaline earth metals and R represents an alkyl radical with a straight or branched chain containing 2 to 6 atoms of carbon or an aryl radical or an arylalkyl radical. H is characterized in that it further contains at least one organic derivative of an alkaline metal, with the proviso that said organic derivative is neither an alcoholate nor a carboxyl acid ester substituted in position .alpha. by said metal. Applications in the anionic polymerization of (meth)acrylates.

Abstract: A vulcanizable elastomeric compound and products such as pneumatic tires and the like, are formed from a functionalized polymer having a functional group derived from the polymerization initiator. The polymerization initiator is selected from the group consisting of ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of alkyls having from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, cycloalkyls having from 3 to about 14 carbon atoms, and aryls having from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms. Methods of the present invention include preparing the initiator, preparing functionalized polymers and, reducing the hysteresis of vulcanizable elastomeric compounds.

Abstract: A process is provided comprising contacting a hydrocarbyl alkali metal compound with a nitrogen-containing compound in the presence of propylene. Optionally, a catalytic support is used during said contacting. Optionally, at least one other alpha-olefin is present during said contacting.In another embodiment a process is provided comprising: (a) contacting a hydrocarbyl alkali metal compound with a nitrogen-containing compound in the presence of propylene; and thereafter (b) recovering an allyl/alkali metal/nitrogen complex; and thereafter (c) contacting said allyl/alkali metal/nitrogen complex with at least one alpha-olefin. Optionally, a catalytic support is present during steps a, b, and c.

Abstract: A continuous process is described for preparing copolymer compositions of 1,3-conjugated dienes and aromatic vinyl compounds having a weight average molecular weight of greater than about 100,000, and in one embodiment above about 900,000. The process comprises:(A) continuously introducing into a reactor, a 1,3-conjugated diene, an aromatic vinyl compound, a hydrocarbon solvent and a polymerization catalyst comprising a trimetalated 1-alkyne wherein the catalyst is obtained by reacting at a temperature of above about 70.degree. C., a 1-alkyne containing at least 4 carbon atoms, an organo metallic compound, R.degree.M and a 1,3-conjugated diene wherein the alkyne is characterized by the formulaRCH.sub.2 C.tbd.CH (II)wherein R is an alkyl group, R.degree. is a hydrocarbyl group, M is an alkali metal, the mole ratio of R.degree.

Abstract: A method of separating organic materials is disclosed utilizing a chromatographic packing material. This packing material includes a coated support material which is a chromatographically suitable substrate. An immobilized butadiene acrylonitrile polymer coating is provided on the substrate. The copolymer can be crosslinked by gamma radiation, or by means of a crosslinking agent such as dicumyl peroxide. The support material can be silica, alumina, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, porous glass or carbon, but preferably a spherical lamellar shaped crystals of aluminum hydroxide. the aluminum hydroxide crystals are bonded together at a central core and extend radially outward from a central core with a particle density ranging from 0.3 to 2.5 g/cm.sup.3 and a diameter of 2 to 150 microns.

Abstract: A method of separating organic materials is disclosed utilizing a chromatographic packing material. This packing material includes a coated support material which is a chromatographically suitable substrate. An immobilized butadiene acrylonitrile polymer coating is provided on the substrate. The copolymer can be crosslinked by gamma radiation, or by means of a crosslinking agent such as dicumyl peroxide. The support material can be silica, alumina, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, porous glass or carbon, but preferably is spherical lamellar shaped crystals of aluminum hydroxide. The aluminum hydroxide crystals are bonded together at a central core and extend radially outward from a central core with a particle density ranging from 0.3 to 2.5 g/cm.sup.3 and a diameter of 2 to 150 microns.

Abstract: An anionic polymerization initiator comprising the reaction product of a functionalizing agent selected from the group consisting of substituted aldimines, ketimines and secondary amines and, an organolithium compound. Elastomeric polymers prepared with these initiators have functional sites incorporated at the initiator end of the polymer chain and provide vulcanizable rubber compounds exhibiting reduced hysteresis. Articles such as tires, produced with low hysteresis elastomeric polymers have lower rolling resistance. Methods are also provided for preparing the initiators, fuctionalized polymers and vulcanizable elastomeric compounds having reduced hysteresis.

Abstract: A method for preparing a diene polymer or copolymer having increased amounts of 1,2-microstructure is provided. The method involves polymerizing a diene monomer or mixture of a diene monomer and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst composition comprising: (a) an organolithium initiator and (b) an oxolanyl cyclic acetal having the structural formula: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and X is 0 or 1.

Abstract: A scavenger composition having utility for removal of water and silicon mu-oxide impurities from chlorosilanes, such scavenger composition comprising:(a) a support; and(b) associated with the support, one or more compound(s) selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula:R.sub.a-x MCl.sub.xwherein:M is a metal selected from the group consisting of the monovalent metals lithium, sodium, and potassium; the divalent metals magnesium, strontium, barium, and calcium; and the trivalent metal aluminum;R is alkyl;a is a number equal to the valency of metal M; andx is a number having a value of from 0 to a, inclusive; andwherein said compound(s) of the formula R.sub.a-x MCl.sub.x have been activated for impurity-removal service by a reaction scheme selected from those of the group consisting of:(i) reaction of such compound(s) with hydrogen chloride to form a first reaction product therefrom, followed by reaction of the first reaction product with a chlorosilane of the formula:SiH.sub.4-y Cl.sub.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon soluble polymetalated 1-alkene compositions are described, and these compositions may be characterized by the formula ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group or R.sup.1 M, M is an alkali metal, R.sup.1 is a divalent oligomeric hydrocarbyl group comprising moieties derived from a conjugated diene, and wherein the total number moieties derived from a conjugated diene in all of the R.sup.1 groups in Formula I is from about 2 to about 30. Preferably, the alkali metal is lithium.Hydrocarbon soluble polymetalated 1-alkene catalysts for anionic polymerizations are also described which comprise the reaction product of a 1-alkyne, an organometallic compount R.degree.M, and a 1,3-conjugated diene wherein R.degree. is a hydrocarbyl group, M is an alkali metal, the mole ratio of conjugated diene to 1-alkyne is at least about 2:1, and the reaction is conducted at a temperature of at least about 70.degree. C.

Abstract: A highly active anionic polymerization catalyst prepares butadiene polymers having a high 1,4-trans-dienyl content, the catalyst containing an organolithium compound, a barium, strontium or calcium compound, and trialkylaluminum compounds having at least 13 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: Liquid telechelic polymers are made from dienes and are produced via anionic polymerization. While having low molecular weight, for example less than 15,000, the telechelic polymers are generally gel-free, have high amounts of trans-1,4 structure, low vinyl unsaturation and low bulk viscosities. The liquid telechelic polymers are made utilizing a trimetallic initiator comprised of (1) an organopolylithium compound and (2) a complex of a trialiphatic substituted aluminum compound or derivative thereof and a barium salt of an organic alcohol.

Abstract: A scavenger composition having utility for removal of water and silicon mu-oxide impurities from chlorosilanes, such scavenger composition comprising:(a) a support; and(b) associated with the support, one or more compound(s) selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula:R.sub.a-x MCl.sub.xwherein:M is a metal selected from the group consisting of the monovalent metals lithium, sodium, and potassium; the divalent metals magnesium, strontium, barium, and calcium; and the trivalent metal aluminum;R is alkyl;a is a number equal to the valency of metal M; andx is a number having a value from 0 to a, inclusive; andwherein said compound(s) of the formula R.sub.a-x MCl.sub.x have been activated for impurity-removal service by a reaction scheme selected from those of the group consisting of:(i) reaction of such compound(s) with hydrogen chloride to form a first reaction product therefrom, followed by reaction of the first reaction product with a chlorosilane of the formula:SiH.sub.4"y Cl.sub.

Abstract: Narrow molecular weight telechelic and/or block copolymers are prepared by anionic polymerization using multifunctional lithium initiator in combination with a C.sub.2-16 lithium alkoxide.

Abstract: Scavenger compositions are disclosed, which have utility for effecting the sorptive removal of hazardous gases containing Group II-VII elements of the Periodic Table, such as are widely encountered in the manufacture of semiconducting materials and semiconductor devices. Gas sorption processes including the contacting of Group II-VII gaseous compounds with such scavenger compositions are likewise disclosed, together with critical space velocity contacting conditions pertaining thereto. Further described are gas contacting apparatus, including mesh structures which may be deployed in gas contacting vessels containing such scavenger compositions, to prevent solids from being introduced to or discharged from the contacting vessel in the gas stream undergoing treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying a gaseous mixture comprising arsine, phosphine, ammonia, and/or inert gases, to remove Lewis acid and/or oxidant impurities therefrom, comprising a vessel containing a bed of a scavenger, the scavenger including a support having associated therewith an anion which is effective to remove such impurities, such anion being selected from one or more members of the group consisting of: (i) carbanions whose corresponding protonated compounds have a pK.sub.a value of from about 22 to about 36; and (ii) anions formed by reaction of such carbanions with the primary component of the mixture.

Abstract: A composition for use in synthesis reactions comprises a mixture of an organolithium compound and an inert inorganic pulverulent carrier and consists of methyllithium and ethyllithium, one or more of the group consisting of SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, CaO and synthetic anhydrous aluminosilicate, and paraffin. That composition is flowable and non-pyrophoric.

Abstract: Bifunctional initiators for anionic polymerization are prepared by reacting an alkenylaromatic compound of the general formula I ##STR1## where Ar is aromatic hydrocarbyl which may be substituted by alkyl or another group inert toward organoalkali metal compounds and may contain nitrogen,R.sup.1 is linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl or aralkyl or from 1 to 22 carbon atoms where at least the carbon adjacent to the double bond is saturated and aliphatic,R.sup.2 is hydrogen or is likewise linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl or aralkyl or from 1 to 22 carbon atoms where at least the carbon adjacent to the double bond is saturated and aliphatic, and where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be part of a common cycloaliphatic ring, in the presence of one or more ethers and of tertiary amines and in the presence or absence of a further inert aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic solvent, at from -20.degree. to +70.degree. C.

Abstract: Oligomeric polyfunctional initiators for anionic polymerization of dienes and/or alkenylaromatics are prepared by a process in which a mixture of dialkenylaromatics and alkenylaromatics in a molar ratio of from 1:4 to 1:100, in an inert solvent, is run, at from 25.degree. to 100.degree. C., continuously or in small portions, with thorough mixing, into an initially taken mixture which contains from 1.2 to 3.0 molar equivalents, based on the dialkenylaromatics, of one or more organolithium compounds and an inert solvent, and is polymerized completely. The resulting oligomeric initiators are used for the preparation of unfunctionalized or functionalized polymers or block copolymers from dienes and/or alkenylaromatics, and the functionalized polymers thus prepared are used as prepolymers for other resins.

Abstract: p-Nitrophenylester of succinoylaminopropyl silica gel is useful as an affinity matrix for reacting with ligand for use in affinity chromatography. The affinity matrix, upon reaction with a ligand, releases one molecule of p-nitrophenolate ion for every molecule of ligand that reacts and the solution turns yellow as the reaction occurs.

Abstract: Improved diazonium affinity matrixes are provided which are storable stable and may be stored for extended periods for future use. The improved affinity matrixes are diazonium silica gel affinity matrixes containing an amine linkage and especially the fluoborate salts thereof.

Abstract: Conjugated dienes, in particular 1,3-conjugated dienes, can be polymerized or copolymerized using the catalyst system of this invention to polymers wherein the amount of 1,2-structure contained in the polymer is increased, and polymers can be prepared containing varying amounts of 1,2-structure as desired. Such desirable results can be obtained in accordance with the process of the present invention for polymerizing conjugated diene monomers which comprises the use of a catalyst system which comprises (a) at least one anionic initiator based on lithium, and (b) a modifier composition comprising at least one cyclic acetal of a glyoxal. ##STR1## wherein R and R' are each independently hydrogen, alkyl or aryl groups, and each A is independently an alkylene or an oxyalkylene group.In another embodiment, the catalyst system also contains at least one co-initiator selected from the group consisting of organomagnesium compounds, organoaluminum compounds, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An optically active polymer is obtained by polymerizing a vinyl monomer in the presence of a catalyst which comprises an asymmetric ligand compound of the formula (I) or (II): ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.4 each are ##STR2## R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 each are an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; X is hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a halogen; and n is a number of 1 to 4; and an anionic initiator to form a complex with said ligand compound.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon, especially aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon, solvent solutions of complexes of sec-butyllithium and ethyllithium, exemplified by (a) equimolar solutions of sec-butyllithium and ethyllithium in n-hexane or cyclohexane, (b) 35 mole % sec-butyllithium and 65 molar % ethyllithium in n-hexane or cyclohexane, and (c) 1 mole % sec-butyllithium and 3 mole % ethyllithium in n-hexane or cyclohexane. The thermal stability of the complexes of sec-butyllithium and ethyllithium in the solutions thereof in hydrocarbon solvents has been found to be outstanding. The hydrocarbon solvent solutions, especially where said solvents are aliphatic or cycloaliphatic, have marked advantages over conventionally used hydrocarbon solvent solutions of sec-butyllithium as catalysts or initiators in polymerization reactions, telomerization reactions, metalation reactions, halogen-metal interchange reactions, and in the preparation of magnesium alkyls and other organometallics.

Abstract: The invention relates to new associations of strong bases, having the following general formula:n'RLi--n MZin which: n and n' are the numbers of mols of each compound, R is an alkyl or aryl radical, M is an alkali metal chosen from amongst lithium, sodium or potassium and Z is a hydride or an inorganic amide, the ratio n/n' being between 0.2 and 50.It is preferred to use bases in which the metal of the alkali metal amide or hydride is potassium or sodium. These associations are formed very rapidly and can be applied to anionic polymerisation, in particular of conjugated dienes, in a solvent of low polarity or an apolar solvent.The polymers thus obtained contain a high percentage of 1,2 or 3,4 structures.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon, especially aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon, solvent solutions of complexes of isopropyllithium and ethyllithium, exemplified by (a) equimolar solutions of isopropyllithium and ethyllithium in n-hexane or cyclohexane, and (b) 25 mole % isopropyllithium and 75 mole % ethyllithium in n-hexane or cyclohexane. The hydrocarbon solvent solutions of said complexes, especially where said solvents are aliphatic or cycloaliphatic, have various advantages over conventionally used hydrocarbon solvent solutions of isopropyllithium as catalysts or initiators in polymerization reactions, telomerization reactions, metalation reactions, halogen-metal interchange reactions, and in the preparation of magnesium alkyls and other organometallics.

Abstract: A process and catalyst system is disclosed herein for the preparation of (co)polymers having a 1,2-microstructure of between 20 and 95 percent. These (co)polymers are prepared in a hydrocarbon or other non-polar solvent from a monomer system which contains at least one 1,3-diene monomer. The catalyst system which is employed in the production of the (co)polymers of the present invention is a combination of (1) an anionic initiator based on lithium; (2) an alkyl magnesium compound or an alkyl aluminum compound or a mixture thereof; and (3) a modifier compound selected from the group consisting of linear and cyclic oligomeric oxolanyl alkanes.

Abstract: A process and catalyst system is disclosed herein for the preparation of (co)polymers having a 1,2-microstructure of between 20 and 95 percent. These (co)polymers are prepared in a hydrocarbon or other non-polar solvent from a monomer system which contains at least one 1,3-diene monomer. The catalyst system which is employed in the production of the (co)polymers of the present invention is a combination of (1) an anionic initiator based on lithium, and (2) a modifier compound selected from the group consisting of linear and cyclic oligomeric oxolanyl alkanes.