Amino End-Functionalized Polyethylenes and Corresponding Telechelics by Coordinative Chain Transfer Polymerization

Di(1-(propyl)-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-aza-2,5-disilacylopentane)magnesium was synthesized and used as chain transfer agent for the ethylene polymerization in the presence of a neodymocene precursor. The polymerization was shown to be governed by a catalyzed chain growth process (CCG) on magnesium, allowing the quantitative formation of ammonium or amine functionalized polyethylene (PE) chains. The structure of these chains was shown by H-1 and C-13 NMR analyses. MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry was successfully used to confirm the structure predicted by the CCG mechanism. The additional formation of telechelic PE chains carrying an ammonium and either a diethyldithiocarbamate or an iodo moiety as end groups was shown after a simple deactivation of the polymerization medium with disulfiram or molecular iodine, respectively.