Radiation-induced copolymerization of hexafluoroacetone with α-Olefin

Radiation-induced copolymerization of hexafluoroacetone (HFA) with α-Olefins higher than butane has been carried out in trichlorotrifluoroethane at -780C. 2-Methyl-1-pentene (2MP) was found to copolymerize with HFA most readily. In this report, the copolymerization of HFA with 2MP is described in detail. Copolymerization was carried out at low temperatures of -1000 - 00C. HFA and 2MP scarcely homopolymerize, but the copolymerization takes place in various monomer ratios. Highest polymerization rate and largest molecular weight are obtained in the temperature range of -780 - -400C. Above room temperature, only adduct is formed and the copolymerization does not take place. Copolymerization is somewhat inhibited by a cation scavenger, but not by a radical and an anion scavenger. Elemental analysis and NMR spectra showed that the copolymer is equimolar and of head to tail and head to head or tail to tail structures. The copolymerization may thus proceed via a cation mechanism to give an alternating copolymer. (auth.)