Telechelic alkadiene polymers with crosslinkable end groups and methods for making the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to telechelic polymers having crosslinkable end groups of the formula 1

Description

BACKGROUND

[0003] The present invention relates to telechelic polymers and methods for making the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to telechelic polymer segments of controlled molecular weight having crosslinkable end groups and methods for preparing the same.

[0004] Telechelic polymers can be simply defined as polymers that bear reactive functional groups at their chain termini. The interest in these polymeric materials is derived from the fact that through these reactive end groups, a vast number of macromolecular materials can be prepared. Telechelic polymers have found application in the synthesis of block copolymers, star polymers, cross-linked polymer networks, and ionic polymer networks. Low molecular weight liquid telechelic polymers have been successfully used in reaction injection molding, and the formation of ABA triblock and multiblock copolymers via telechelic polymers has dramatically impacted the development of thermoplastic elastomers. Based on these numerous valuable applications, considerable research efforts have been devoted to improving the synthesis of telechelic polymers.

[0005] The development of telechelic polymers with crosslinkable end groups such as methacrylate or epoxide groups is of interest for the preparation of interpenetrating polymer networks, AB cross-linked polymeric materials, more thermally and chemically resistant materials, and for the immobilization of biomaterials. However, these reactive end groups have been typically incorporated through a post-polymerization transformation due to the instability of these functional groups to tolerate many of the typical conditions associated with polymerization reactions.

[0006] Recently, a non-metathesis-mediated polymer degradation approach was applied to polymers derived from ROMP. Copolymerization of cyclooctadiene (“COD”) with either cis-4,7-dihydro-1,3-dioxepan (1) or cis-4,7-dihydro-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxepan (2) using well-defined ruthenium-based metathesis initiators, (PCy3)2Cl2Ru═CHR′ (wherein R′═Ph (3)or wherein R′═(CH═CPh2)(4)), resulted in a polymer bearing both poly(butadiene) and acetal units along the backbone. Subsequent acid hydrolysis of these acetal units resulted in the desired hydroxytelechelic poly(butadiene) (“HTPBD”) oligomers in moderate yields. Although this method proved to be successful for the synthesis of HTPBD, this method is not generally applicable for the preparation of telechelic polymers with other functional end groups.

[0007] As a result, a need exists for methods for synthesizing telechelic polymers having a variety of end groups, particularly crosslinkable end groups and which does not require post-polymerization transformations for polymer functionalization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to telechelic polymers having crosslinkable end groups of the formula 4

[0009] and methods for preparing the same wherein n is an integer; 5

[0010] is an alkadienyl group; Y is an alkyl group; and Z is crosslinkable end group. In general, the inventive synthesis involves reacting a chain transfer agent having crosslinkable end groups with a cycloalkene in the presence of a ruthenium or osmium initiator of the formula 6

[0011] wherein:

[0012] M is ruthenium or osmium;

[0013] X and X1 are independently any anionic ligand;

[0014] L and L1 are any neutral electron donor ligand;

[0015] R and R1 are each hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted substituent wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, aryl, C1-C20 carboxylate, C1-C20 alkoxy, C2-C20 alkenyloxy, C2-C20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C2-C20 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C20 alkylthio, C1-C20 alkylsulfonyl and C1-C20 alkylsulfinyl.

[0016] In particularly preferred embodiments, the initiator is as described above wherein R is hydrogen, R1 is phenyl or (—CH═CPh2), X and X1 are both chloride, and L and L1 ligands are —P(cyclohexyl)3; the cycloalkene is cyclooctadiene; and the chain transfer agent is cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethacrylate or cis-2-butene-1,4-diol diglycidyl ether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] FIG. 1 is an illustrative reaction scheme for the synthesis of a telechelic polymer with methacrylate end groups.

[0018] FIG. 2 is graphic representation of the dependence of the observed {overscore (M)}n values for the bis(methacrylate)-functionalized telechelic poly(butadiene)s 9 on the [COD]/[CTA] ratio. The {overscore (M)}n was determined by 1H NMR integration assuming a number average functionality of 2.0.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of the dependence of the observed {overscore (M)}n values for the bis(epoxide)-functionalized telechelic poly(butadiene)s 10 on the [COD]/[CTA] ratio. The {overscore (M)}n was determined by 1H NMR integration assuming a number average functionality of 2.0.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention relates to novel organic polymers with crosslinkable end groups and to a simplified and direct procedure for the synthesis of these polymers. These crosslinkable end groups may be subsequently reacted to form a network of crosslinked polymers.

[0021] The present invention relates to unbranched or linear telechelic polymers of the general formula 7

[0022] wherein:

[0023] n is an integer; 8

[0024] is a alkadienyl group;

[0025] Y is an alkyl group; and,

[0026] Z is a crosslinkable end group.

[0027] As used herein, an alkadienyl group is a hydrocarbon having at least two carbon-carbon double bonds. In preferred embodiments 9

[0028] is a C4-C20 alkadienyl group; Y is an C1-C10 alkyl and Z is selected from the group consisting of Z is selected from a group consisting of methacrylate, acylate, cinnamate, epoxide, lactone, cyclic carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, oxetane, lactams, phosphazenes, and alkoxysilanes. In more preferred embodiments, Y is a C1-C3 alkyl and Z is methacrylate or epoxide.

[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, telechelic polymers of the formula 10

[0030] are disclosed wherein:

[0031] n is an integer; 11

[0032]  is an alkadienyl group; and,

[0033] Z is a crosslinkable end group.

[0034] In preferred embodiments, 12

[0035] is a C4-C20 alkadienyl group and Z is selected from the group consisting of methacrylate, acylate, cinnamate, epoxide, lactone, cyclic carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, oxetane, lactams, phosphazenes, and alkoxysilanes. In more preferred embodiments, Z is methacrylate or epoxide.

[0036] In yet another aspect of the present invention, telechelic polymers of the formula 13

[0037] wherein n is an integer and Z is a crosslinkable end group. In preferred embodiments, Z is selected from the group consisting of methacrylate, acylate, cinnamate, epoxide, lactone, cyclic carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, oxetane, lactams, phosphazenes, and alkoxysilanes. In more preferred embodiments, Z is methacrylate or epoxide.

[0038] In another embodiment of the present inventions, methods for synthesizing the above disclosed telechelic polymers are disclosed.

[0039] Initiators

[0040] In general, initiators (or catalysts) that may be used in the practice of the present invention are ruthenium or osmium carbene complexes that include a ruthenium or osmium metal center that is in a +2 oxidation state, have an electron count of 16, and are penta-coordinated. More specifically, the initiators are of the formula 14

[0041] wherein:

[0042] M is ruthenium or osmium;

[0043] X and X1 are independently any anionic ligand;

[0044] L and L1 are any neutral electron donor ligand;

[0045] R and R1 are each hydrogen or one of the following substituent groups: C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, aryl, C1-C20 carboxylate, C1-C20 alkoxy, C2-C20 alkenyloxy, C2-C20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C2-C20 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C20 alkylthio, C1-C20 alkylsulfonyl and C1-C20 alkylsulfinyl. Optionally, the substituent group may be substituted with one or more groups selected from C1-C5 alkyl, C1-C5 alkoxy, and aryl. When the substitute aryl group is phenyl, it may be further substituted with one or more groups selected from a halogen, a C1-C5 alkyl, or a C1-C5 alkoxy. Moreover, the initiator may further include one or more functional groups. Examples of suitable functional groups include but are not limited to: hydroxyl, thiol, thioether, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amine, imine, amide, nitro, carboxylic acid, disulfide, carbonate, isocyanate, carbodiimide, carboalkoxy, carbamate, and halogen.

[0046] These ruthenium and osmium carbene complexes have been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,312,940, 5,342,909, 5,710,298, and 5,831,108 and PCT Publication No. WO 98/21214, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] In preferred embodiments of these catalysts, the R substituent is hydrogen and the R1 substituent is selected from the group consisting C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, and aryl. In even more preferred embodiments, the R1 substituent is phenyl or vinyl, optionally substituted with one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of C1-C5 alkyl, C1-C5 alkoxy, phenyl, and a functional group. In especially preferred embodiments, R1 is phenyl or vinyl substituted with one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide, iodide, fluoride, —NO2, —NMe2, methyl, methoxy and phenyl. In the most preferred embodiments, the R1 substituent is phenyl.

[0048] In preferred embodiments of these catalysts, L and L1 are each independently selected from the group consisting of phosphine, sulfonated phosphine, phosphite, phosphinite, phosphonite, arsine, stibine, ether, amine, amide, imine, sulfoxide, carboxyl, nitrosyl, pyridine, and thioether. In more preferred embodiments, L and L1 are each a phosphine of the formula PR3R4R5, where R3, R4, and R5 are each independently aryl or C1-C10 alkyl, particularly primary alkyl, secondary alkyl or cycloalkyl. In the most preferred embodiments, L and L1 ligands are each selected from the group consisting of —P(cyclohexyl)3, —P(cyclopentyl)3, —P(isopropyl)3, and —P(phenyl)3.

[0049] In preferred embodiments of these catalysts, X and X1 are each independently hydrogen, halide, or one of the following groups: C1-C20 alkyl, aryl, C1-C20 alkoxide, aryloxide, C3-C20 alkyldiketonate, aryldiketonate, C1-C20 carboxylate, arylsulfonate, C1-C20 alkylsulfonate, C1-C20 alkylthio, C1-C20 alkylsulfonyl, or C1-C20 alkylsulfinyl. Optionally, X and X1 may be substituted with one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of C1-C10 alkyl, C1-C10 alkoxy, and aryl which in turn may each be further substituted with one or more groups selected from halogen, C1-C5 alkyl, C1-C5 alkoxy, and phenyl. In more preferred embodiments, X and X1 are halide, benzoate, C1-C5 carboxylate, C1-C5 alkyl, phenoxy, C1-C5 alkoxy, C1-C5 alkylthio, aryl, and C1-C5 alkyl sulfonate. In even more preferred embodiments, X and X1 are each halide, CF3CO2, CH3CO2, CFH2CO2, (CH3)3CO, (CF3)2(CH3)CO, (CF3)(CH3)2CO, PhO, MeO, EtO, tosylate, mesylate, or trifluoromethanesulfonate. In the most preferred embodiments, X and X1 are each chloride.

[0050] The most preferred initiators in the practice of the present invention are as described above wherein M is ruthenium; X and X1 are both chloride; L and L1 ligands are both —P(cyclohexyl)3; R is hydrogen; and R1 is either phenyl (3), (—CH═CPh2) (4), or (CH═C(CH3)2).

[0051] The above initiators are stable in the presence of a variety of functional groups including hydroxyl, thiol, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amine, imine, amide, nitro, carboxylic acid, disulfide, carbonate, isocyanate, carbodiimide, carboalkoxy, and halogen. Therefore, the starting materials and products of the reactions described below may contain one or more of these functional groups without poisoning the catalyst. In addition, the initiators are stable in the presence of aqueous, organic, or protic solvents, including aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ethers, aliphatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, water, or mixtures of the above.

[0052] Using an initiator described above, practice of one embodiment of the inventive method may be summarized as follows: 15

[0053] wherein:

[0054] n is an integer; 16

[0055]  is a cycloalkene;

[0056] Z—Y═Y—Z is a chain transfer agent wherein Z is a crosslinkable end group and —Y═Y— is an alkenyl group; and, 17

[0057]  is the resulting telechelic polymer.

[0058] Any cycloalkene (also referred to as cyclic olefin) that can participate in a ring-opening metathesis polymerization (“ROMP”) reaction may be used. Because of the generally high metathesis activity of the initiators of the present invention, the cycloalkene may be strained or unstrained. In addition, the cycloalkene may include one or more substituent groups selected from the group consisting of C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, and aryl and one or more functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, thiol, thioether, ketone, aldehyde, ester, ether, amine, imine, amide, nitro, carboxylic acid, disulfide, carbonate, isocyanate, carbodiimide, carboalkoxy, carbamate, and halogen.

[0059] Illustrative examples of suitable cycloalkenes include but are not limited to: norbornene, norbornadiene, cyclopentene, dicyclopentadiene, cyclo-octene, 7-oxanorbornene, 7-oxanorbornadiene, cyclodocene, 1,3-cyclooctadiene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, 1,3-cycloheptadiene, and derivatives thereof. In preferred embodiments, the cycloalkene is a cycloalkadiene. In more preferred embodiments, the cycloalkene is selected from the group consisting of norbornadiene, dicyclopentadiene, 1,3-cyclo-octadiene, 1,5-cyclo-octadiene, 1,3-cycloheptadiene, and derivatives thereof. The use of 1,3-cyclooctadiene or 1,5-cyclo-octadiene as the cycloalkene is most preferred.

[0060] The chain transfer agent (“CTA”) is of the general formula, Z—Y═Y—Z, wherein —Y═Y— is an alkenyl group and Z is a crosslinkable end group. As used herein, a crosslinkable end group is group that is capable of forming a covalent bond either by reacting directly with another crosslinkable end group or by reacting indirectly through a crosslinking agent with another crosslinkable end group.

[0061] In preferred embodiments, —Y═Y— is a C2-C20 alkene and Z is selected from a group consisting of methacrylate, acylate, cinnamate, epoxide, lactone, cyclic carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, oxetane, lactams, phosphazenes, and alkoxysilanes. In more preferred embodiments, —Y═Y— is a C2-C10 alkenyl and Z is methacrylate or epoxide. In the most preferred embodiments, the chain transfer agent is cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethacrylate (5) or cis-2-butene-1,4-diol diglycidyl ether (6).

[0062] In another embodiment, the inventive method may be summarized as follows: 18

[0063] wherein

[0064] n is an integer; 19

[0065]  is a cycloalkene; 20

[0066]  is a chain transfer agent wherein Z is a crosslinkable end group; and, 21

[0067]  is the resulting telechelic polymer.

[0068] In preferred embodiments, the cycloalkene is selected from a group consisting of norbornene, norbornadiene, cyclopentene, dicyclopentadiene, cyclo-octene, 7-oxanorbornene, 7-oxanorbornadiene, cyclodocene, 1,3-cyclooctadiene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, 1,3-cycloheptadiene, and derivatives thereof; and Z is selected from the group consisting of methacrylate, acylate, cinnamate, epoxides, lactone, cyclic carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, oxetane, lactams, phosphazenes, and alkoxysilanes.

[0069] In more preferred embodiments, the cycloalkene is a cycloalkadiene. In especially preferred embodiments, the cycloalkene is selected from the group consisting of norbornadiene, dicyclopentadiene, 1,3-cyclo-octadiene, 1,5-cyclo-octadiene, 1,3-cycloheptadiene, and derivatives thereof, and Z is methacrylate or epoxide. The use of 1,3-cyclooctadiene or 1,5-cyclo-octadiene as the cycloalkene, and cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethacrylate (5) or cis-2-butene-1,4-diol diglycidyl ether (6) as the chain transfer agent is most preferred.

[0070] In another embodiment, the inventive method may be described as follows: 22

[0071] wherein n is an integer and Z is a crosslinkable end.

[0072] In preferred embodiments, Z is selected from the group consisting of methacrylate, acylate, cinnamate, epoxides, lactone, cyclic carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, oxetane, lactams, phosphazenes, and alkoxysilanes. In the most preferred embodiments, Z is either 23

[0073] In addition to the ease of synthesis, the practice of the molecular weight of the telechelic polymer product may be readily controlled by modulating the ratio of the cycloalkene concentration to the chain transfer agent concentration. In a surprising and unexpected finding, the molecular weight of the resulting polymer is directly proportional to the molecular weight of the resulting telechelic polymer. As a result, by modulating the starting materials in the form of a [cycloalkene]/[chain transfer agent] ratio, the telechelic polymers having the desired molecular weight may be synthesized.

[0074] For the purposes of clarity, the specific details of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to especially preferred embodiments wherein the initiator is 3 or 4, the cycloalkene is cyclooctadiene, and the chain transfer agent is cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethacrylate (5) or cis-2-butene-1,4-diol diglycidyl ether (6). However, it should be appreciated that these embodiments and the appended experimental protocols are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Synthesis of the cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethacrylate

[0075] Synthesis of the bis(methacrylate)-functionalized chain transfer agent, cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethacrylate (5), was accomplished as shown in Scheme 1. 24

[0076] Commercially available cis-2-butene-1,4-diol was esterified using methacryloyl chloride to synthesize compound 5 in 72% yield. Because compound 5 was not generally stable, it was stored at −30° C. with 20 weight percent of p-methoxyphenol (a free radical inhibitor). In this manner, compound 5 was stored for over six months without any appreciable degradation or polymerization. Because of the general tolerance of initiators 3 and 4, compound 5 could be used without removing p-methoxyphenol prior to its used in polymerization reactions.

Synthesis of the cis-2-butene-1,4-diol diglycidyl ether

[0077] The synthesis of the bis(epoxide)-functionalized chain transfer agent, cis-2-butene-1,4-diol diglycidyl ether (6), was accomplished in one step as illustrated in Scheme 2. 25

[0078] Cis-2-butene-1,4-diol was treated with excess epichlorohydrin in the presence of aqueous NaOH (50% w/w) and the phase transfer catalyst, Bu4N+HSO4−, to resulted in chain transfer agent 6 in 65% yield. Because compound 6 was extremely stable, it was purified by distillation at 105-110° C. in vacuo. Samples of compound 6 stored at room temperature for over six months, exhibited virtually no decomposition or polymerization.

[0079] Reaction of CTAs 5 and 6 with the Ruthenium Benzylidene Initiator 3.

[0080] As shown by FIG. 1, the generation of an end group functionalized ruthenium alkylidene species is a key step in the practice of the present invention. However, it was initially unclear whether a ROMP-type protocol using a chain transfer agent, Z—Y═Y—Z, would be a viable synthetic strategy. Previous mechanistic studies indicated that ruthenium-based metathesis initiators including 3 and 4 were susceptible to a side reaction where the functional end group (e.g. from a chain transfer agent) would chelate to the metal center with a concomitant loss of a L ligand (typically a phosphine). The resulting chelated species were less reactive and often decomposed on the time scale of a typical polymerization reaction. Consequently, whether reactions of ruthenium benzylidene 3 with both 5 and 6 would proceed according to Scheme 4 were investigated. 26

[0081] Unexpectedly, treatment of 3 with 50 equivalents of the bis(methacrylate)-functionalized CTA 5 at 45° C. for 30 min resulted in the formation of a methacrylate-functionalized ruthenium alkylidene 7 as outlined by Scheme 4. Alkylidene 7 exhibited an α-H carbene resonance at 19.48 ppm (t, JHH=4.4 Hz) in the 1H NMR and a 31P resonance at 37.42 ppm with no observed free phosphine. Moreover, alkylidene 7 showed no decomposition over 24 hours at room temperature.

[0082] Similarly, treatment of 3 with 50 equivalents of the bis(epoxide)-functionalized CTA 6 at 45° C. for 30 min resulted in the formation of an epoxide-functionalized ruthenium alkylidene 8. This alkylidene exhibited an α-H carbene resonance at 19.79 ppm (t, JHH=3.6 Hz) in the 1H NMR and a 31P resonance at 36.91 ppm with no observed free phosphine. Decomposition of alkylidene 8 was not observed even after being stored for 24 hours at room temperature. As a result, the lack of observed free phosphine and the 1H and 31P resonances indicated that telechelic polymers with crosslinkable end groups may be synthesized using ROMP in the presence of a chain transfer agent of the general formula Z—Y═Y—Z.

[0083] Polymerization of COD in the Presence of 5.

[0084] In the presence of the CTA 5, polymerization of COD resulted in the bis(methacrylate)-functionalized telechelic poly(butadiene) 9 as shown in Scheme 5. 27

[0085] In an initial study, the impact of the [COD]/[3] ([COD]/[initiator]) ratio, reaction time, and temperature on the polymer yield and CTA incorporation was investigated. The polymerizations were run neat according to the different sets of conditions described in Table 1.

[0086] In the first two entries, reaction time and temperature were held constant at 24 h and 25° C. while the [COD]/[initiator] ratio was increased from 2000:1 to 4000:1. Although only a slight decrease in the yield of 5% was observed, the {overscore (M)}n increased from 3500 to 5500 presumably due to a reduced incorporation of the CTA 5 during the polymerization. The impact of reaction time was investigated by comparing the results for reaction times of 24 and 48 hours (at: [COD]/[5]=10; [COD]/[initiator]=2000; and a temperature of 25° C.). As seen in the third and fourth entries, increasing the reaction time resulted in a slight increase in yield and a lower molecular weight due to an improved incorporation of 5. Unfortunately, the impact of temperature was unable to be investigated because of the relative instability of 5. For example, presumably due to the thermally-induced polymerization of the methacrylate groups, insoluble polymeric materials were formed when polymerizations were run at 45° C.

[0087] Based on these results, all COD polymerization reactions with 5 were run with a [COD]/[initiator] ratio of 2000:1 for 48 hours at 25° C. In addition, efforts were taken to minimize photo-induced polymerization of the methacrylate groups by shielding the reaction vesicle from light.

TABLE 1
					{overscore (M)}n
[COD]/	[COD]/	Rxn.	Temp.	%	(Theo-	{overscore (M)}n
[5]	[initiator]	Time(h)	(° C.)	Yielda	retical)b	(NMR)c
15	2000	24	25	80	1844	3500
15	4000	24	25	75	1844	5500
10	2000	24	25	85	1304	2500
10	2000	48	25	87	1304	2300
aIsolated yields after purification.
bDetermined by ([COD]/[5])(MW of COD) + (MW of 5).
cDetermined by 1H NMR integration assuming a number average functionality of 2.

[0088] Practice of the present invention is extremely advantageous because of the ability to control the polymer molecular weights through the manipulation of the [monomer]/[CTA] ratio. A series of bis(methacrylate)-functionalized telechelic poly(butadiene)s were synthesized with [COD]/[5] ratios of 15, 40, 60, and 80:1. As shown by Table 2, yields between 88-90% were obtained, and the molecular weight was indeed controlled resulting in bis(methacrylate)-functionalized telechelic poly(butadiene)s with {overscore (M)}n values between 3700 to 17700.

TABLE 2
		% Cis-	% Cis-
[COD]/	%	Olefin	Olefin (End	{overscore (M)}n	{overscore (M)}n
[5]	Yieldd	(Backbone)e	Group)e	(NMR)f	(GPC)g	PDIh
15a	88	50	25	3700	5400	1.74
40a	89	55	20	8000	10100	1.86
60b	90	60	25	14500	11900	2.02
80C	90	55	25	17700	15300	1.99
aPolymerizations were run neat at 25° C. for 48 h with [COD]/[initiator] = 2000.
bTo ensure better mixing and higher yields, [COD] = 12.4 M in benzene was utilized.
cTo ensure better mixing and higher yields, [COD] = 9.3 M in benzene was utilized.
dIsolated yields after purification.
eDetermined by 1H NMR integration.
fDetermined by 1H NMR integration assuming a number average functionality of 2.
gDetermined by gel permeation chromatography in CH2Cl2 relative to monodispersed polystyrene standards.

[0089] As illustrated in the plot of {overscore (M)}n versus the [COD]/[5] ratio in FIG. 1, a direct correlation was observed between the [COD]/[5] ratio and polymer molecular weight. Although the experimentally observed molecular weights were higher than that calculated for the theoretical molecular weights, this is believed to be due to the incomplete incorporation of the chain transfer agent 5 during the polymerization.

[0090] The resulting telechelic poly(butadiene)s contained between 50-60% cis-olefin in the backbone and between 20-25% cis-olefin at the polymer end groups, and polydispersities (PDIs) of 1.74-2.02 were obtained. Both 1H and 13C NMR indicated a {overscore (F)}n value near 2.

[0091] Polymerization of COD in the Presence of 6.

[0092] Polymerization of COD in the presence of the chain transfer agent 6 resulted in bis(epoxide)-functionalized telechelic poly(butadiene) 10 as shown in Scheme 6. 28

[0093] The impact of the [COD]/[CTA] ratio, reaction time, and temperature on the polymer yield and the incorporation of 6 was examined. All polymerization reactions were run neat according to the conditions described in Table 3.

TABLE 3
[COD]/	[COD]/	Rxn	Temp.		{overscore (M)}n
[6]	[initiator]	Time(h)	(° C.)	% Yielda	(NMR)b
15	2000	48	25	60	3700
15	4000	48	25	51	3600
15	2000	24	45	67	3400
15	2000	48	45	67	3400
15	4000	24	45	63	3500
15	4000	48	45	61	3700
aIsolated yields after purification.
bDetermined by ([COD]/[6])(MW of COD) + (MW of 6). Determined by 1H NMR integration assuming a number average functionality of 2.

[0094] Despite similar molecular weight values, a lower yield (51% compared to 60%) was observed at the lower initiator loading. As a result, polymerization reactions in the presence of 6 were run at 25° C. and at a 2000:1 [COD]/[initiator] ratio. However, unlike the polymerization of COD in the presence of 5, polymerization reactions could be run at higher temperatures because of the relative stability of 6. Comparing entries 3-6 in Table, similar yields and molecular weights were observed regardless of changes in the reaction time or the [COD]/[initiator] ratio. Therefore, based on these results, all COD polymerization reactions in the presence of chain transfer agent 6 were carried out at 45° C. with a [COD]/[initiator] ratio of 4000:1 for 24 hours.

[0095] The effect of the [COD][CTA] ratio was also investigated. By varying the [COD]/[6] ratio from 15 to 80:1, {overscore (M)}n values between 3000-16800 were obtained with yields between 71-87% (see Table 4).

TABLE 4
		% Cis-
		Olefin	% Cis-
[COD]/	%	(Back-	Olefin (End	{overscore (M)}n	{overscore (M)}n
[6]	Yieldd	bone)e	Group)e	(NMR)f	(GPC)g	(PDI)g
15a	71	60	30	3000	4000	1.55
40a	80	65	25	7800	6900	1.89
60b	87	50	30	11000	10500	1.87
80c	84	55	25	16800	11600	1.94
aPolymerizations were run neat at 45° C. for 24 h with [COD]/[initiator] = 4000.
bTo ensure better mixing and higher yields, [COD] = 12.4 M in benzene was utilized.
cTo ensure better mixing and higher yields, [COD] = 9.3 M in benzene was utilized.
dIsolated yields after purification.
eDetermined by 1H NMR integration.
fDetermined by 1H NMR integration assuming a number average functionality of 2.
gDetermined by gel permeation chromatography in CH2Cl2 relative to monodispersed polystyrene standards.

[0096] As shown by FIG. 3, an excellent correlation was observed between the [COD]/[6] and polymer molecular weight ({overscore (M)}n). The bis(epoxide)-functionalized telechelic poly(butadiene)s 10 contained between 50-65% cis-olefins in the backbone and between 25-30% cis-olefins in the end groups. The observed PDIs ranged from 1.55 to 1.94. Both 1H and 13C NMR indicated a {overscore (F)}n near 2 for these materials.

[0097] Cross-linking of the Telechelic Poly(butadiene)s 9 and 10.

[0098] Cross linking studies of the telechelic poly(butadiene)s 9 and 10 were conducted. Bis(methacrylate)-functionalized telechelic poly(butadiene)s 9 was crosslinked using both thermal and photochemical methods. For thermal cross-linking, concentrated solutions of polymer 9 (100 mg of polymer 9 in 200 μL toluene) ({overscore (M)}n values between 3700 to 17700) were combined with benzoyl peroxide (2 wt %) and heated to 90° C. Within 5 minutes, a tacky insoluble material was observed, and within 15 minutes, a rubbery polymeric solid was formed which was completely insoluble in all common organic solvents including CH2Cl2, CHCl3, benzene, toluene, Et2O, ethyl acetate, and DMSO.

[0099] Photochemical crosslinking was induced by combining either benzoyl peroxide or 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (2 wt %) with the concentrated polymer solutions and photolyzing the solutions for 15 minutes using a 450 watt medium pressure mercury Hanovia lamp. As in the thermally-induced cross-linking reactions, a tacky insoluble material was formed within 5 minutes and a highly crosslinked rubbery material was obtained after 15 minute.

[0100] Bis(epoxide)-functionalized telechelic poly(butadiene)s 10 was crosslinked using an acid. Solutions of polymer 10 (100 mg of polymer 10 in 500 gL toluene) {overscore (M)}n values between 3000 to 16800) were stirred with a magnetic stirrer and treated with H2SO4 (cat.). Upon addition of the acid, a rubbery polymeric solid was immediately observed which was insoluble in all common organic solvents including CH2Cl2, CHCl3, benzene, toluene, Et2O, ethyl acetate, and DMSO. Treatment with other acids such as HCl (1 M in EtO) and p-toluenesulfonic acid resulted in no significant cross-linking even at elevated temperatures. Treatment of the polymer solutions with BF3-Et2O (cat.) resulted in cross-linking, however the cross-linking required between 2 and 3 hours at room temperature and often gave inconsistent results. Treatment with H2SO4 (cat.) was by far the simplest and most rapid method for the cross-linking of the bis(epoxide)-functionalized telechelic poly(butadiene)s 10.

Experimental Methods

[0101] General Protocols.

[0102] Argon was purified by passage through columns of BASF R-11 catalyst (Chemalog) and 4 Å molecular sieves (Linde). NMR spectra were recorded on GE QE-300 Plus (300.1 MHz; 75.49 MHz 13C) spectrometer and a JEOL GX-400 (399.65 MHz 1H; 100 MHz 13C; 161.85 MHz 31P) spectrometer. 31P NMR spectra were referenced to an external 85% H3PO4 standard. IR spectra were recorded on a Perkin-Elmer 1600 series FT-IR spectrometer. Gel permeation chromatographs were obtained on a HPLC system using an Altex model 110A pump, a Rheodyne model 7125 injector with a 100 μL injection loop, two American Polymer Standards 10 micron mixed bed columns, and a Knauer differential-refractometer using CH2Cl2 as eluent at a 1.0 mL/min flow rate. Molecular weights and polydispersities were reported versus monodispersed polystyrene standards. Photolysis was accomplished with a 450 watt medium pressure mercury Hanovia lamp.

[0103] Materials.

[0104] The benzene used in polymerizations was distilled from CaH2 under vacuum. Dry THF was obtained by distillation under atmospheric pressure from CaH2. All other solvents were reagent grade and used without purification. cis-2-Butene-1,4-diol, methacryloyl chloride, triethylamine, NaOH, Bu4N+HSO4−, epichlorohydrin, p-methoxyphenol, MeOH, benzoyl peroxide, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, BF3Et2O, and H2SO4 were purchased from the Aldrich Chemical Company and used without further purification. COD was purchased from the Aldrich Chemical Company and degassed by stirring in vacuo for 2 hours before use in polymerizations.

[0105] Preparation of cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethacrylate (5)

cis-2-Butene-1,4-diol (14.04 g, 0.16 mol, 1.0 eq) was mixed with THF (500 mL) and triethylamine (40.34 g, 0.48 mol, 3.0 eq) in a 1 L round bottom flask under argon. To the reaction flask 90% methacryloyl chloride (53.9 g, 0.46 mol, 2.9 eq) was added via an addition funnel over 1 h at 0° C. during which time a white precipitate was observed. The ice bath was then removed, and the reaction was left to stir overnight at room temperature. Deionized water (150 mL) was then added to dissolve the precipitated salts, and the reaction mixture was poured into a 2 L separatory funnel containing petroleum ether (750 mL). The organics were then washed with deionized water (3×200 mL), aqueous NaOH (15% w/w, 4×200 mL), and deionized water (3×200 mL). The organics were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The product was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, 5% ethyl acetate/hexanes, Rf=0.45) to give 26.5 g (74%) of pure product as a viscous oil. To prevent cross-linking, this material was stored with p-methoxyphenol (20 wt %) at −30° C. in a dry box. 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ6.08-6.06 (m, 2H), 5.81-5.71 (m, 2H), 5.54-5.52 (m, 2H), 4.78-4.69 (m, 4H), 1.90-1.89 (m, 6H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ166.95; 136.03, 128.01, 125.67, 60.26, 18.19; IR (thin film on a NaCl plate) 3105, 3036, 2981, 2959, 2929, 2894, 1719, 1637, 1512, 1452, 1403, 1378, 1348, 1318, 1293, 1152, 1012, 975, 942, 815, 734, 651 cm−1; HRM S (CI) calcd for C12H16O4 (M+H)+225.1127, found 225.1129.

Preparation of cis-2-butene-1,4-diol diglycidyl ether (6)

[0106] In a 1L Erlenmeyer flask, epichlorohydrin (270 g, 3.00 mol, 10 eq), aqueous NaOH (50% w/w) (240 g, 3.00 mol, 10 eq), and Bu4N+HSO4− (5.0 g, cat.) were combined at room temperature with magnetic stirring. A thermometer was placed in the flask to monitor the temperature during the reaction. To this flask, cis-2-butene-1,4-diol (26.5 g, 0.30 mol, 1 eq) was added dropwise slowly over 30 min. The reaction was extremely exothermic, and so the temperature was maintained between 30-40° C. by controlling the addition rate as well as by intermittent cooling in an ice bath. At the end of the addition, the reaction temperature remained near 40° C. for approximately 1 h, and when it began to cool, the reaction flask was heated at 40° C. in an oil bath for an additional 1 h. The flask was allowed to cool, and then deionized water was added (200 mL). This mixture was then extracted with Et2O (3×200 mL), dried over MgSO4, and concentrated in vacuo to obtain a yellow oil. This was distilled at 0.2 mm Hg/105-110° C. to give a clear oil (38.0 g, 65% yield). 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ5.8-5.61 (m, 2H), 4.11-4.00 (m, 4H), 3.67 (dd, J1=3.0 Hz, J2=11.4 Hz, 2H), 3.30 (dd, J1=5.7 Hz, J2=11.4 Hz, 2H), 3.11-3.06 (m, 2H), 2.73 (dd, J1=4.2 Hz, J2=4.8 Hz, 2H), 2.54 (dd, J1=2.7 Hz, J2=4.8 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ129.13, 70.76, 66.74, 50.61, 44.03; IR (thin film on a NaCl plate) 3055, 2999, 2922, 2867, 1511, 1472, 1439, 1411, 1327, 1253, 1162, 1094, 1016, 968, 947, 901, 855, 762 cm−1; HRMS (Cl) calcd for C12H18O2 (M+H)+ 201.1127, found 201.1128.

[0107] Reaction of CTAs 5 and 6 with the Ruthenium Benzylidene (3).

[0108] All manipulations were carried out in a dry box. In a 10 mL vial, ruthenium benzylidene 3 (6.0 mg, 7.3 e-6 mol, 1.0 eq), CTA (either 5 or 6) (3.7 e-4 mol, 50 eq), and C6D6 (0.70 mL) were combined to form a homogeneous solution. This solution was transferred to a NMR tube which was capped with a rubber septa and removed from the dry box. The NMR tube was placed in an oil bath at 45° C. for 30 min. After this time, the NMR tube was removed from the oil bath, and the reaction was analyzed by both 1H and 31 P NMR

[0109] General Polymerization Procedure.

[0110] All manipulations were carried out in a dry box. In a 10 mL vial, the correct amount of either 5 or 6 and COD were weighed out. In a separate vial, the initiator was weighed out and a stirbar added, and this was combined with the COD/CTA mixture. The vial was then capped, removed from the dry box, and left to stir for the desired time. For reactions involving the methacrylate CTA 5, aluminum foil was wrapped around the reaction vial to prevent photo-induced crosslinking. At the end of the desired reaction time, ethyl vinyl ether (600 eq relative to initiator) was pipetted into the vial along with an equal volume of toluene. This was left to stir for 1 h followed by precipitation into MeOH to isolate the polymer. The MeOH was decanted away, and the polymer was washed with excess fresh MeOH to remove any remaining COD or CTA. The resulting telechelic poly(butadiene)s were concentrated in vacuo and then characterized by standard methods including 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and GPC.

[0111] Bis(methacrylate)-functionalized Telechelic Poly(butadiene) (9).

[0112] Spectral data for the polymer derived from a 15:1 [COD]/[5] ratio ({overscore (M)}n (NMR)=3700, DP=32). 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ6.13 (bs), 5.86-5.54 (bm), 4.68 (bd, J=6.0 Hz), 4.57 (bd, J=6.6 Hz), 2.43-1.72 (bm); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ167.224, 167.14, 136.37, 135.49, 135.41, 134.50, 130.66, 130.42, 130.06, 129.94, 129.55, 129.38, 128.95, 128.76, 128.67, 125.34, 124.23, 124.14, 123.84, 123.67, 65.29, 60.60, 60.53, 32.93, 32.65, 32.28, 31.89, 27.66, 27.36, 27.01, 26.67, 18.34; IR (thin film on a NaCl plate) 3005, 2937, 2844, 1721, 1655, 1639, 1446, 1403, 1318, 1294, 1239, 1159, 1079, 1010, 966, 814, 733 cm−1.

[0113] Bis(epoxide)-functionalized Telechelic Poly(butadiene) (10).

[0114] Spectral data for the polymer derived from a 15:1 [COD]/[6] ratio ({overscore (M)}n (NMR)=3000, DP=26). 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ5.77-5.17 (bm), 4.09-3.91 (bm), 3.72-3.61 (bm), 3.41-3.30 (bm), 3.17-3.08 (bm), 2.81-2.72 (bm), 2.62-2.53 (bm), 2.35-1.64 (bm); 13C NMR (CDCl3) δ134.49, 134.43, 133.19, 130.26, 130.03, 129.93, 129.73, 129.52, 129.35, 126.19, 126.06, 125.90. 71.95, 70.65, 70.46, 66.81, 50.72, 44.33, 44.26, 32.91, 32.63, 32.29, 32.04, 27.97, 27.63, 27.35, 27.10, 26.76; IR (thin film on a NaCl plate) 3006, 2918, 2846, 1654, 1437, 1403, 1348, 1312, 1240, 1158, 1101, 966, 845, 732 cm−1.

[0115] Cross-linking of Bis(methacrylate)-functionalized Telechelic Poly(butadiene)s (9).

[0116] In a 2 mL glass vial, polymer 9 (100 mg) was dissolved in toluene (200 μL) with either benzoyl peroxide or 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (2 mg, 2 wt %). This solution was then either subjected to heat in an oil bath at 90° C. (benzoyl peroxide-initiated) or light using a 450 watt medium pressure mercury Hanovia lamp (benzoyl peroxide- or 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone-initiated) in a photolysis chamber. Although an insoluble material was formed within 5 min under these conditions for each of the different molecular weight polymers synthesized, heating or photolysis for 15 min resulted in a more highly cross-linked rubbery material which was completely insoluble in all common organic solvents including CH2Cl2, CHCl3, benzene, toluene, Et2O, ethyl acetate, and DMSO.

[0117] Cross-linking of Bis(epoxide)-functionalized Telechelic Poly(butadiene)s (10).

[0118] In a 2 mL vial, polymer 10 (100 mg) was dissolved in toluene (500 μL) and a stir bar was added. This solution was then stirred at room temperature and H2SO4 (cat.) was added. Immediate formation of an insoluble rubbery solid was observed for each of the different molecular weight polymers synthesized. These materials were completely insoluble in all common organic solvents including CH2Cl2, CHCl3, benzene, toluene, Et2O, ethyl acetate, and DMSO.

Claims

1. A method for synthesizing a polymer of the formula

2. The method as in claim 1 wherein: M is ruthenium; X and X1 are each halide; L and L1 each a phosphine of the formula PR3R4R5, where R3, R4, and R5 are each independently aryl or C1-C10 alkyl; R is hydrogen; and, R1 is phenyl or vinyl, optionally substituted with one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of C1-C5 alkyl, C1-C5 alkoxy, phenyl, and a functional group selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide, iodide, fluoride, —NO2, —NMe2, methyl, methoxy and phenyl

3. The method as in claim 2 wherein: X and X1 are each chloride; L and L1 are each selected from the group consisting of —P(cyclohexyl)3, —P(cyclopentyl)3, —P(isopropyl)3, and —P(phenyl)3; and, R is phenyl.

4. The method as in claim 1 wherein the cycloalkene is selected from the group consisting of norbornene, norbornadiene, cyclopentene, dicyclopentadiene, cyclo-octene, 7-oxanorbornene, 7-oxanorbornadiene, cyclodocene, 1,3-cyclooctadiene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, 1,3-cycloheptadiene, and derivatives thereof.

5. The method as in claim 1 wherein the cycloalkene is a cycloalkadiene.

6. The method as in claim 1 wherein —Y═Y— is a C2-C20 alkene and Z is selected from a group consisting of methacrylate, acylate, cinnamate, epoxide, lactone, cyclic carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, oxetane, lactam, phosphazene, and alkoxysilane.

7. The method as in claim 6 wherein —Y═Y— is a C2-C10 alkene and Z is methacrylate or epoxide.

8. The method as in claim 7 wherein the cycloalkene is cyclo-octadiene and Z—Y═Y—Z is cis-2-butene-1,4-diol dimethacrylate or cis-2-butene-1,4-diol diglycidyl ether.

9. A method for synthesizing a polymer of the formula

10. The method as in claim 9 wherein: X and X1 are each chloride; L and L1 are each selected from the group consisting of —P(cyclohexyl)3, —P(cyclopentyl)3, —P(isopropyl)3, and —P(phenyl)3; and, R is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, (CH═CPh2), and (CH═C(CH3)2).

11. The method as in claim 10 wherein the cycloalkene is selected from the group consisting of norbornene, norbornadiene, cyclopentene, dicyclopentadiene, cyclo-octene, 7-oxanorbornene, 7-oxanorbornadiene, cyclodocene, 1,3-cyclooctadiene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, 1,3-cycloheptadiene, and derivatives thereof.

12. The method as in claim 10 wherein the cycloalkene is a cycloalkadiene.

13. The method as in claim 12 wherein the cycloalkadiene is selected from the group consisting of norbornadiene, dicyclopentadiene, 1,3-cyclo-octadiene, 1,5-cyclo-octadiene, 1,3-cycloheptadiene, and derivatives thereof.

14. The method as in claim 9 wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of methacrylate, acylate, cinnamate, epoxide, lactone, cyclic carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, oxetane, lactam, phosphazene, and trialkoxysilane.

15. The method as in claim 12 wherein

16. The method as in claim 15 wherein the cycloalkadiene is cyclo-octadiene.

17. A method for synthesizing a polymer of the formula

18. The method as in claim 17 wherein: R is phenyl, (CH═CPh2), or (CH═C(CH3)2).

19. The method as in claim 18 wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of methacrylate, acylate, cinnamate, epoxide, lactone, cyclic carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, oxetane, lactam, phosphazene, and alkoxysilane.

20. The method as in claim 19 where Z is

21. A method for controlling the molecular weight of a telechelic polymer synthesized using a ring-opening polymerization reaction of a cycloalkene and a ruthenium metathesis initiator in the presence of a functionalized chain transfer agent comprising modulating the ratio of the concentration of the cycloalkene to the concentration of the chain transfer agent.

22. The method as in claim 21 wherein the cycloalkene is a cycloalkadiene selected from the group consisting of norbornadiene, dicyclopentadiene, 1,3-cyclo-octadiene, 1,5-cyclo-octadiene, 1,3-cycloheptadiene, and derivatives thereof.

23. The method as in claim 22 wherein the functionalized chain transfer agent is of the formula

24. The method as in claim 21 wherein the ruthenium metathesis initiator is of the formula

25. A method for preparing crosslinked polymers comprising: contacting a cycloalkene with a initiator of the formula 41 in the presence of a chain transfer agent of the formula 42 to make a polymer of the formula 43 treating the polymer with a crosslinking agent wherein: n is an integer; Z is a crosslinkable group selected from a group consisting of methacrylate, acylate, cinnamate, epoxide, lactone, cyclic carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, oxetane, lactam, phosphazene, and alkoxysilane; Cy is cyclohexyl or cyclopentyl; R is hydrogen; and R′ is phenyl, (CH═CPh2), or (CH═C(CH3)2).

26. The method as in claim 25 wherein Z is

26. The method as in claim 25 wherein Z is

27. The method as in claim 25 wherein Z is

28. A linear polymer of the general formula

29. The polymer as in claim 28 wherein:

30. The polymer as in claim 28 having the formula

31. The polymers as in claim 28 having the formula

32. The polymer as in claim 30 wherein Z is methacrylate or epoxide.

33. The polymer as in claim 31 wherein Z is metachylate or epoxide.