Theoretical and experimental studies of the initiator influence on the anionic ring opening polymerization of propylene oxide

In this work, the influence of three different initiators (KOH, KOH dissolved in ethanol and the potassium salt of ethylene glycol) on the propylene oxide polymerization was studied by experimental and theoretical methods. A first series of reactions was carried out to establish the adequate thermal conditions for a minimal monomer transfer during the polymerization. The formation of end insaturations (main consequence of the monomer transfer interference) in the poly(propylene oxide) chains was studied by spectroscopic methods. Furthermore, a second series of poly(propylene oxide)s was prepared by using the mentioned initiators, and characterized by size exclusion chromatography. The initiator efficiency to create active centers in every reactive system was determined from the molecular weight and the conversion data obtained. Experimental results were elucidated by using quantum chemical calculations at density functional theory level, involving thermo-chemistry parameters, and the simulation of the infrared, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. This method led to studying the addition of up to ten propylene oxide unit, resulting into important energetic tendencies and regioselectivity, being compared to the physicochemical data of products obtained. These correlations meant further understanding of the reaction course and the type of products obtained, depending on the nature of the initiator.