Living cationic polymerization of Viny Ethers in Presence of Iodomethyl Methyl Ether and Zinc Iodide

Living cationic polymerization behaviors of isobutyl vinyl ehters (IBVE), initiated by iodomethyl methyl ether (IMME)/zinc iodide ($Znl_2$) have been investigated. The polymerization was carried out at 0, -15, and $-30^{\circ}C$ in toluene. It was found that the rate of polymerization increased as the IMME concentration increased and decreased as temperature decreased. 100% conversion was always achieved without exception. Furthermore, the number-average molecular weight ($M_{n}$) of polymers increased in direct proportion to monomer conversion. The molecular weights of polymers were in good agreement with the theoretical values, calculated on the basis that one polymer chain was formed by one IMME molecule and the values of polydispersity index are always less than 1.2, revealing the living nature. The living nature was also confirmed by synthesis of poly(IBVE-b-TBVE) by subsequent monomer addition of t-butyl vinyl ether (TBVE).