Polyisobutylenes with Controlled Molecular Weight and Chain-End Structure: Synthesis and Actual Applications

The polymerization of isobutylene allows us to obtain a wide spectrum polyisobutylenes (PIBs) which differ in their molecular weight characteristics and the chemical structure chain-end groups. bulk PIBs manufactured worldwide are highly reactive (HRPIBs) with –C(Me)=CH2 end-groups low-molecular weights (Mn < 5 kDa). HRPIBs feedstocks that high demand manufacturing additives for fuels oils, adhesives, detergents, other fine chemicals. In addition, CMe2Cl-terminated intensively studied aim finding biomedical applications purpose developing new materials. Both chain control (molecular dispersity) chemoselectivity (formation exo-olefinic or –CMe2Cl groups) should be achieved during polymerization. This review highlights fundamental issues mechanisms PIB analysis, examines actual catalytic approaches PIBs, describes recent studies on functionalization halogen-terminated PIBs.