Polymerization process

Abstract

A process for polymerization of vinyl monomers is described comprising (a) forming an initiator comprising an organic iodide compound by reacting an initiator precursor comprising an organic bromide or chloride compound with an inorganic iodide salt under phase transfer catalysis in the presence of a phase transfer agent, and (b) polymerizing vinyl monomers in the presence of the formed initiator and a polymerization catalyst comprising an onium salt. Most preferably, both the phase transfer agent and the polymerization catalyst comprise an onium salt. The present invention provides a novel method for living polymerization of vinyl monomers under phase transfer conditions, which provides a high level of macromolecular control over polymerization process and which leads to more uniform and more controllable polymeric products. Oil soluble monomers may be polymerized in organic solvent or water-organic two phase solvent systems, while water soluble monomers may be polymerized in water or water-organic two phase solvent systems.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.