Modified polymer compositions, modification process and free radical generating agents for i.a. wire and cable applications

A compound of formula (I)

• wherein q=0-5;
• each X is CH, C or N provided that at least one X is C or CH;
• the dotted line is an optionally present bond when both X groups are C;
• Rz is a covalent bond or a divalent group Ry-X═X or Ry-C≡C;
• provided that at least one X is CH;
• Ry is divalent substituted or unsubstituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl or substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbyl group;
• wherein said substituted or unsubstituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl or aromatic hydrocarbyl optionally comprises 1 to 6 heteroatoms;
• wherein said substituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl or substituted aromatic hydrocarbyl comprise independently 1 to 8 substituents selected from a functional group, a saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl optionally bearing a functional group, a saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl optionally interrupted by 1 to 4 heteroatoms or aromatic hydrocarbyl optionally bearing a functional group;
• R7 and R7′ can be the same or different and are independently selected from an unsubstituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl group;
• Rb is H or is the group C1′(R1′R2′R3′);
• R1 and R1′ are each independently H, substituted or unsubstituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl or substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbyl;
• wherein each of said substituted or unsubstituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl or aromatic hydrocarbyl optionally comprises 1 to 6 heteroatoms;
• wherein said substituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl or substituted aromatic hydrocarbyl comprise independently 1 to 4 substituents selected from a functional group, a saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl optionally bearing a functional group or aromatic hydrocarbyl optionally bearing a functional group;
• R2, R2′, R3 and R3′ are each independently H, substituted or unsubstituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl or substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbyl;
• wherein each of said substituted or unsubstituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl or aromatic hydrocarbyl optionally comprises 1 to 6 heteroatoms;
• wherein said substituted saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl or substituted aromatic hydrocarbyl optionally comprise independently 1 to 4 substituents selected from a functional group or a saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl optionally bearing a functional group or aromatic hydrocarbyl optionally bearing a functional group;
• or
• R2 and R3 together with the carbon atom (C1) to which they are attached form an unsubstituted or substituted saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring moiety of 3 to 14 C-atoms, preferably 5 to 12 C-atoms;
• an unsubstituted or substituted saturated or partially unsaturated heteroring moiety of 3 to 14 ring atoms comprising 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4 heteroatoms, selected from O, N, P, S or Si;
• or an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic ring moiety of 3 to 14 C-atoms, preferably of 5 to 12 C-atoms, optionally comprising 1 to 4 heteroatoms;
• wherein said substituted carbocyclic ring, heteroring or aromatic ring system comprises 1 to 4 substituents selected independently from a functional group, or a saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl optionally bearing a functional group, or aromatic hydrocarbyl optionally bearing a functional group;
• or
• R2′ and R3′ together with the carbon atom (C1′) to which they are attached form an unsubstituted or substituted saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic ring moiety of 3 to 14 C-atoms, an unsubstituted or substituted saturated or partially unsaturated heteroring moiety of 3 to 14 ring atoms comprising 1 to 6 heteroatoms, selected from O, N, P, S or Si;
• or unsubstituted or substituted aromatic ring moiety of 3 to 14 C-atoms optionally comprising 1 to 4 heteroatoms;
• wherein said substituted carbocyclic ring, heteroring or aromatic ring system comprises 1 to 4 substituents selected independently from a functional group or a saturated or partially unsaturated hydrocarbyl optionally bearing a functional group or aromatic hydrocarbyl optionally bearing a functional group;
• with a proviso that at least two of R1, R2 and R3 are other than H or methyl;
• or that at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is an alkenyl or alkynyl group;
• or functional derivative thereof.