Synthesis of disubstituted amine-functionalized diene-based polymers

Diene-based polymers with two amine groups within each repeat unit were successfully synthesized by bulk and solution free radical polymerization techniques. All polymers have exclusive 1,4-microstructure. The number average molecular weights of the materials obtained were in the range of 30-52 × 103 g/mol using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), t-butyl peracetate (t-BPA), or t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) as the initiators. The highest molecular weight achieved was 72 × 103 g/mol when t-butyl peroxide (t-BPO) was used as the initiator. Quantitative quaternization was achieved yielding hydrophilic water soluble polymers. Prior to quaternization, the polymers are hydrophobic and dissolve in most organic solvents.