Evidence of Ni(0) Complex Diffusion during Grignard Metathesis Polymerization of 2,5-Dibromo-3-hexylthiophene
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-24-2009
Department
Polymers and High Performance Materials
Abstract
It has been previously reported that the Grignard Metathesis polymerization of 3-alkyl thiophenes proceeds by a quasi-"living" chain growth or "catalyst transfer polycondensation" mechanism. Several publications present data in support of the transition metal species acting as an initiator and specifically maintaining Ni(0) association with a single growing polymer chain. However, our study of 2,5-dibromo-3-hexylthiophene polymerization via GPC, MALDI-TOF, and GC-MS verifies independently and in conjunction with one another that the transition metal is involved in transfer/diffusion from chain to chain during polymerization and presents the possibility of additional mechanistic controlling factors. Kinetic monitoring and characterization studies support transfer of the transition metal through diffusion from chain to chain during polymerization.
Publication Title
Macromolecules
Volume
42
Issue
22
First Page
8634
Last Page
8639
Recommended Citation
Achord, B. C.,
Rawlins, J. W.
(2009). Evidence of Ni(0) Complex Diffusion during Grignard Metathesis Polymerization of 2,5-Dibromo-3-hexylthiophene. Macromolecules, 42(22), 8634-8639.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/1308