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 for producing polymers of a conjugated diene, copolymers of a conjugated diene and another conjugated diene, or copolymers of conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon, which comprises polymerizing the corresponding monomers in the presence of a complex initiator consisting of components (a) and (b) described below, or (a) and (b) together with one or more components selected from components (c) and (d);(a) An organic compound of barium, strontium or calcium;(b) An organolithium-beryllium compound or an organolithiummagnesium compound;(c) An organolithium compound, an organoberyllium compound or an organomagnesium compound; and(d) An organoaluminum compound or an organozinc compound.The polymers of a conjugated diene containing relatively high trans-1,4 linkage, or the copolymers of a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic compound highly randomized and having high bound styrene and high trans-1,4 linkage can be produced at good yields.

Abstract: High vinyl polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene copolymer obtained by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene alone or with styrene in a hydrocarbon solvent using an organolithium compound as an initiator and coupling the resulting polymer, characterized in that(1) the polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene copolymer comprises at least 20% by weight of a polymer having in its molecular chain a linkage between butadienyl and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium, tin and lead,(2) the styrene content of said copolymer is 40% by weight or less, and(3) the polybutadiene or the butadiene portion of the styrene-butadiene copolymer has a vinyl content of 50 to 95%.Said polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene copolymer has low rolling resistance, high wet skid resistance, highly improved fracture property and, an excellent processability.

Abstract: A rubber composition containing an isoprene homopolymer or copolymer having a glass transition temperature of not less than -50.degree. C. and a Mooney viscosity of 20 to 120. The composition can provide a cured rubber having a high wet road gripping force and a small dynamic heat generating characteristic, and is very suitable for use in tires of automobiles.

Abstract: Styrene-butadiene random copolymers having an average vinyl content of at least 70%, a breadth of the distribution of vinyl contents of at least 20%, a Mooney viscosity (ML.sub.1+4, 100.degree. C.) of 10 to 150, and a styrene content of about 3 to 30% by weight. They are prepared by copolymerizing styrene and butadiene in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an organolithium initiator and a Lewis base and, if necessary, an anionic surface active agent containing --SO.sub.3 M or --OSO.sub.3 M (wherein M is Na, K, Rb or Cs) under temperature-raising conditions. They are rubber materials having low rolling resistance and high wet skid resistance.

Abstract: Alkyl methacrylate polymers which have one or more hydroxyhydrocarbyl end groups and a process for making them employing an anionic initiator followed by hydrolysis. The polyfunctional polymers are useful in automobile powder finishes and the monofunctional polymers are useful in polymer blends.

Abstract: A continuous solution polymerization process for polymerizing conjugated dienes alone or with a copolymerizable monovinylarene in the presence of a gel inhibitor employing a first stirred reactor in series with a following plug-flow tube reactor.

Abstract: Lactones derived from gamma-hydroxy acids are employed as coupling agents for polymers derived from alkali metal-initiated polymerizations. These coupling agents provide effective coupling without formation of undesirable by-products.

Abstract: Copolymers of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomers and conjugated diene monomers are prepared by polymerizing an alpha-methylstyrene monomer using a first polar activator, adding a small amount of a conjugated diene monomer to cap the block of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer polymer, and further adding a conjugated diene monomer and polymerizing with a second polar activator effective for copolymerization of residual alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer. The resulting copolymer can be coupled to form linear or radial block copolymers.

Abstract: New compositions and a process for the preparation of conjugated diene polymers of broadened molecular weight distribution by reacting non-terminated lithium catalyzed conjugated diene polymers with cyclic organic compounds selected from the group of carbonates, thiocarbonates and sulfites. The resulting new compositions are suitable for use in making high impact plastics and for fabricating rubber goods.

Abstract: New compositions and a process for the preparation of conjugated diene polymers of broadened molecular weight distribution by reacting non-terminated lithium catalyzed conjugated diene polymers with linear organic compounds selected from the group of carbonates, thiocarbonates and sulfites. The resulting new compositions are suitable for use in making high impact plastics and for fabricating rubber goods.

Abstract: Orthoesters are used to couple living homopolymers of monovinylarenes.

Abstract: The characteristics of barium t-alkoxide salts used with organolithium compounds as catalyst complexes in the solution polymerization of unsaturated or oxirane monomers to make polymers such as rubbers is improved by reducing or eliminating the nitrogen content of the barium salt and, further, by using a certain mixture of tertiary carbinols and water in forming the barium salt. In certain instances water may be eliminated.

Abstract: The characteristics of barium t-alkoxide salts used with organolithium compounds as catalyst complexes in the solution polymerization of unsaturated or oxirane monomers to make polymers such as rubbers is improved by reducing or eliminating the nitrogen content of the barium salt and, further, by using a certain mixture of tertiary carbinols and water in forming the barium salt. In certain instances water may be eliminated.

Abstract: Copolymers of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomers and conjugated diene monomers are prepared by polymerizing an alpha-methylstyrene monomer using a first polar activator, adding a small amount of a conjugated diene monomer to cap the block of alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer polymer, and further adding a conjugated diene monomer and polymerizing with a second polar activator effective for copolymerization of residual alpha-methylstyrene-type monomer. The resulting copolymer can be coupled to form linear or radial block copolymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the anionic polymerization and copolymerization of vinyl, dienic and heterocyclic monomers.According to the invention, the process consists in carrying out the reaction in the presence of an initiator consisting of a molecular combination of an alkali metal amide and the salt of the same alkali metal with at least one hydroxylic compound and in the absence of solvent. The initiator can be prepared by intimately mixing its constituents or in the presence of a solvent of low polarity which is subsequently evaporated off, or in situ in the monomer.Application to the synthesis of special or widely used polymers and copolymers.

Abstract: A 1,3-cyclodiene-monovinylaromatic copolymer is produced by polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising a 1,3-cyclodiene, a monovinylaromatic compound and a polyvinylaromatic hydrocarbon in the presence of an organolithium initiator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the preparation of medium vinyl polybutadiene which comprises copolymerizing butadiene with small amounts of divinylbenzene in a hydrocarbon solvent system employing as a catalyst an alkyl lithium compound which has been modified by mixtures of polar compounds, at least one of which polar compound is selected from the group consisting of hexamethylphosphoric acid triamide (HMPA), N,N,N'N'-tetramethylethylene diamine (TMEDA), ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (glyme), diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme), triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (triglyme) and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (tetraglyme), and at least one of which polar compound is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,4diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (DABCO), diethyl ether, triethylamine, tri-n-butylamine, tri-n-butylphosphine and p-dioxane, in which the temperature is maintained constant throughout the polymerization.

Abstract: The process disclosed herein comprises the use of a catalyst system comprising a complex of R.sub.2 Mg.(ROK).sub.2 in the hydrocarbon solution polymerization of 1,3-butadiene. Preferably the solvent is hexane, but cyclohexane or other alkane or cycloalkane may be used. The ratio of ROK to R.sub.2 Mg is from 1.0/1 to 5/1 and the R.sub.2 Mg and ROK are added separately to the butadiene solution. This process produces a high trans 1,4-polybutadiene which is particularly suitable as a coating for metals such as the coating of steel for beverage cans.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers and copolymers of pivaloyloxyalkyl methacrylates which contain structural units of the general formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is (CH.sub.2).sub.n.sbsb.1 --O (n.sub.1 =2 to 10) or (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n.sbsb.2 (n.sub.2 =1 to 4) and to the method of their preparation and modification. The polymerization and copolymerization can be initiated by free-radical initiators of the peroxy type or by anionic initiators, e.g., alkali metal alkoxides or butyllithium, and carried out in a solution, bulk or suspension process in the presence of a crosslinking agent or without it. Anionic polymerization may result in stereoregular polymers or may be used for preparation of block copolymers by the "living" polymer technique. The polymers and copolymers can be modified by the partial or total conversion of the pivaloyloxyalkyl methacrylate units into hydroxyalkyl methacrylate units by selective hydrolysis, alcoholysis or other reaction.

Abstract: Continuous solution polymerization in an open type reactor of one or more conjugated dienes or of one or more conjugated dienes with one or more vinyl aromatic compounds, initiated by an organolithium initiator, without clogging of the reactor due to gel formation can be achieved by conducting the polymerization in the presence of a deactivating system which inhibits the formation of gels.

Abstract: Continuous solution polymerization in an open type reactor of one or more conjugated dienes or of one or more conjugated dienes with one or more vinyl aromatic compounds, initiated by an organolithium initiator, without clogging of the reactor due to gel formation can be achieved by conducting the polymerization in the presence of a deactivating system which inhibits the formation of gels.

Abstract: Highly desirable multifunctional lithium containing initiators are prepared by reacting a compound such as an organo lithium with an organic compound containing at least two 1,1-diphenylethylene groups. Such initiators can be prepared in the absence of polar solvents and are very desirable for the polymerization of dienes such as butadiene to a desirable 1,4 configuration. Several di-lithium compounds have been employed to initiate polymerization of various unsaturated organic monomers.

Abstract: Highly desirable multifunctional lithium containing initiators are prepared by reacting a compound such as an organo lithium with an organic compound containing at least two 1,1-diphenylethylene groups. Such initiators can be prepared in the absence of polar solvents and are very desirable for the polymerization of dienes such as butadiene to a desirable 1,4 configuration. Several di-lithium compounds have been employed to initiate polymerization of various unsaturated organic monomers.

Abstract: Very desirable polyfunctional lithium containing polymerization initiators are prepared by reacting an adduct of an organo lithium compound and styrene with an organic compound containing at least two 1,1-diphenylethylene groups in the proportion of about two moles of the adduct to one mole of the organic compound. A difunctional lithium initiator is prepared thereby. The difunctional initiator may be reacted with styrene and subsequently an additional quantity of the diphenylethylene compound which in turn is reacted with the styrene-organo lithium adduct to form a trifunctional initiator. The process can be repeated to obtain an initiator having any desired degree of lithium functionality. Such initiators can be prepared in the absence of polar solvents and are very desirable for the polymerization of dienes such as butadiene to a desirable 1,4 configuration and preparation of block copolymers.

Abstract: Highly desirable organic liquid soluble multifunctional lithium containing initiators are prepared by reacting an organo lithium compound with an organic compound containing at least one group of the configuration 1,3-bis(1-phenylethenyl)benzene. Such initiators can be prepared in the absence of polar solvents and are very desirable for the polymerization of dienes such as butadiene to a desirable 1,4 configuration.

Abstract: Continuous solution polymerization in an open type reactor of one or more conjugated dienes or of one or more conjugated dienes with one or more vinyl aromatic compounds, initiated by an organolithium initiator, without clogging of the reactor due to gel formation can be achieved by conducting the polymerization in the presence of a deactivating system which inhibits the formation of gels.

Abstract: Very desirable polyfunctional lithium containing polymerization initiators are prepared by reacting an adduct of an organo lithium compound and styrene with an organic compound containing at least two 1,1-diphenylethylene groups in the proportion of about two moles of the adduct to one mole of the organic compound. A difunctional lithium initiator is prepared thereby. The difunctional initiator may be reacted with styrene and subsequently an additional quantity of the diphenylethylene compound which in turn is reacted with the styrene-organo lithium adduct to form a trifunctional initiator. The process can be repeated to obtain an initiator having any desired degree of lithium functionality. Such initiators can be prepared in the absence of polar solvents and are very desirable for the polymerization of dienes such as butadiene to a desirable 1,4 configuration and preparation of block copolymers.

Abstract: Highly desirable organic liquid soluble multifunctional lithium containing initiators are prepared by reacting on organo lithium compound with an organic compound containing at least one group of the configuration 1,3-bis(1-phenylethenyl)benzene. Such initiators can be prepared in the absence of polar solvents and are very desirable for the polymerization of dienes such as butadiene to a desirable 1,4 configuration.

Abstract: Homopolymers of conjugated dienes and copolymers of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds having an elastomeric character are prepared by use of a catalytic system formed of the reaction product of (a) an organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA of the Mendeleev periodic table of elements with (b) at least one electron-donor compound containing at least one hetero-atom.

Abstract: Homopolymers of conjugated dienes and copolymers of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds having an elastomeric character are prepared by use of a catalytic system formed of the reaction product of (a) an organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA of the Mendeleev periodic table of elements with (b) at least one electron-donor compound containing at least one hetero-atom.

Abstract: Homopolymers of conjugated dienes and copolymers of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds having an elastomeric character are prepared by use of a catalytic system formed of the reaction product of (a) an organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA of the Mendeleev periodic table of elements with (b) at least one electron-donor compound containing at least one hetero-atom.

Abstract: Continuous or incremental addition of a coupling agent, such as silicon tetrachloride, during the polymerization step of organolithium initiated polymerization processes results in polymers of improved processability, as well as other improved properties such as high green strength, low die swell, and minimal shrinkage on extrusion.

Abstract: A process for preparing conjugated diene polymers by either polymerization of one or more monomers selected from a group of conjugated diene compounds or copolymerization of a conjugated diene compound with an alkenyl aromatic compound, using an organolithium initiator in a hydrocarbon solvent, characterized in that the polymerization is carried out in the presence of(1) one or more anionic surface active agent having a group --SO.sub.3 M or --OSO.sub.3 M (where M is an alkali metal) and(2) one or more Lewis bases.

Abstract: A 1,3-cyclodiene is polymerized with a vinylaromatic hydrocarbon in the presence of a paraffin or cycloparaffin hydrocarbon diluent and an organolithium initiator. Further, polymerization of a 1,3-cyclodiene with a vinylaromatic hydrocarbon employing an organolithium initiator having a functionally greater than 1 produces a new and useful copolymer. Hydrogenated copolymers are provided.

Abstract: Processable substantially random conjugated diene/monovinylaromatic compound copolymers are produced by continuous polymerization employing an alkoxysilicon treating agent in the first of a series of reactor means.

Abstract: Continuous solution polymerizaton in an open type reactor of one or more conjugated dienes or of one or more conjugated dienes with one or more vinyl aromatic compounds, initiated by an organolithium initiator, without clogging of the reactor due to gel formation can be achieved by conducting the polymerization in the presence of a deactivating system which inhibits the formation of gels.

Abstract: Continuous solution polymerization in an open type reactor of one or more conjugated dienes or of one or more conjugated dienes with one or more vinyl aromatic compounds, initiated by an organolithium initiator, without clogging of the reactor due to gel formation can be achieved by conducting the polymerization in the presence of a deactivating system which inhibits the formation of gels.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers and copolymers of pivaloyloxyalkyl methacrylates which contain structural units of the general formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is (CH.sub.2).sub.n.sbsb.1 --O (n.sub.1 = 2 to 10) or (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n.sbsb.2 (n.sub.2 = 1 to 4) and to the method of their preparation and modification. The polymerization and copolymerization can be initiated by free-radical initiators of the peroxy type or by anionic initiators, e.g., alkali metal alkoxides or butyllithium, and carried out in a solution, bulk or suspension process in the presence of a crosslinking agent or without it. Anionic polymerization may result in stereoregular polymers or may be used for preparation of block copolymers by the "living" polymer technique. The polymers and copolymers can be modified by the partial or toal conversion of the pivaloyloxyalkyl methacrylate units into hydroxyalkyl methacrylate units by selective hydrolysis, alcoholysis or other reaction.

Abstract: Lithium salts of monohydroxyalkyl-substituted conjugated alkadienes are employed as comonomers in the polymerization of conjugated dienes, or conjugated dienes with monovinyl aromatic compounds, to produce polymers containing hydroxy functionality. The hydroxy functionality permits efficient curing.

Abstract: Homopolymers of conjugated dienes and copolymers of conjugated dienes with vinyl aromatic compounds or with other conjugated dienes having improved properties and an elastomeric character are prepared by use of a catalytic composition which comprises (a) an organo-lithium initiator and (b) a tercatalyst system comprising (b.sub.1) a compound of barium or strontium or calcium, (b.sub.2) an organometallic compound of a metal of Group 2B or 3A of the Mendeleev periodic table of elements and (b.sub.3) an alkali metal alcoholate ether or amine.

Abstract: In the polymerization of an anionically polymerizable monomer using a polymerization system comprising a monomer and a polymerization solvent wherein an organometallic compound polymerization initiator, soluble in said polymerization system and having the formula:MeR.sub.xwherein Me is a metal selected from the group consisting of Groups I and II of the Periodic Table; R represents an alkyl or aryl group, or an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon residue; and the integer x is 1 or 2; is added to said system, the improvement which comprises adding said organometallic compound as a solution comprising said organometallic compound dissolved in a high viscosity solvent having a viscosity higher than 1 cp at room temperature, and which dissolves slowly in said polymerization system.

Abstract: A process for producing a conjugated diolefinic polymer by polymerizing at least one conjugated diolefin or copolymerizing at least one conjugated diolefin with at least one vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an alfin catalyst and at least one molecular weight regulator selected from the group consisting of (A) unsaturated halohydrocarbons represented by the general formula, RCX .dbd. CYZ, wherein R represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms, a vinyl group, a phenyl group, a substituted phenyl group, or a halogen atom and X, Y and Z represent independently a hydrogen or halogen atom, at least one of said R, X, Y and Z being a halogen atom, (B) halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, (C) ethers, polyethers, and acetals and (D) tertiary amines and, if necessary, a dihydro aromatic hydrocarbon, characterized in that said polymerization or copolymerization is effected in the presence of 0.03 to 0.

Abstract: Gel formation in the first reactor means of a multireactor process is suppressed by the employment of a silicon halide in the first reactor means in an organolithium-initiated, solution-polymerized, randomized, conjugated diene/monovinyl-substituted aromatic compound copolymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to anionic polymerization and copolymerization of methacrylate and acrylate esters and related polar monomers, e.g. acrylonitrile, by initiation with carboxylic acid esters formally substituted in the .alpha.-position with Li, Na, K, Rb or Cs and containing 3 - 30 C atoms in the straight or branched chain and 1 - 6 ester group in one molecule either alone or in the presence of C.sub.3 - C.sub.16 alkali metal alkoxide with the straight or branched chain. The polymerization or copolymerization is carried out at -80.degree. to +50.degree. C, advantageously at 20.degree. C and the molar ratios of monomers to .alpha.-metallo ester 10 to 1500 and alkoxide to .alpha.-metallo ester 0.5 to 80. Instead of the pure isolated .alpha.-metallo esters also a reaction mixture may be used which was prepared from the alkaline salt of substituted organic amide and non-metallated ester.

Abstract: Adducts of hydrocarbon lithium compounds and alkadienols such as 2,4-pentadien-1-o1 are employed in the anionic solution polymerization of polymerizable monomers to produce polymers containing terminal hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: Homopolymers of butadiene having a vinyl content which varies substantially and decreasingly along the longitudinal axis of the macromolecule toward an end thereof are produced by conducting an organolithium-Lewis base catalyzed polymerization at a substantially constantly increasing polymerization temperature throughout the polymerization.

Abstract: Continuous or incremental addition of a coupling agent, such as silicon tetrachloride, during the polymerization step of organolithium initiated polymerization processes results in polymers of improved processability, as well as other improved properties such as high green strength, low die swell, and minimal shrinkage on extrusion.

Abstract: A copolymer is produced by polymerization of a mixture comprising a 1,3-cyclodiene and an acyclic conjugated diene wherein a substantial percentage by weight of the acyclic conjugated diene units of the copolymer is in the trans and vinyl configurations. A method for producing the copolymer is provided employing an organolithium initiator. A hydrogenated copolymer and method of its production is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of solution polymers and rubbers from vinyl monomers using a new catalyst complex of a barium di-tert-alkoxide-hydroxide salt and an organic lithium compound. In particular, homopolymers and copolymers of butadiene with styrene and/or isoprene, prepared with this catalyst, are uniquely characterized by the butadiene units having a low vinyl content (not over about 12%) and a trans-1,4 structure of from about 70 to 81%. Also, the copolymer has a random comonomer sequence distribution. This molecular structure permits elastomers containing little or no styrene to have sufficient stereoregularity to crystallize. Furthermore, the butadiene homopolymer and copolymer with styrene and/or isoprene exhibit a broad molecular weight distribution as well as tack and green-strength which are valuable properties for a rubber to possess when building tires.