Synthesis of functional polyethylene via scandium catalysted copolymerization of ethylene with triphenylamine- or carbazole-substituted styrene derivatives

The copolymerization of ethylene with triphenylamine or carbazole substituted styrene derivatives was achieved to prepared functional polyethylene with pendant triphenylamine or carbazole groups using a rare earth metal catalyst (C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(CH2SiMe3)(2)(THF). The catalyst system showed high activity for the copolymerization of ethylene with triphenylamine or carbazole substituted styrene derivatives, affording copolymers with moderate molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution. In addition, the content of styrene derivatives in the copolymers can be adjusted by changing the feeding amount. Inspection of the aliphatic region of the C-13 NMR spectrum reveal the random or pseudo -random sequence structure of the copolymers. Representative photo physical properties such as UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy of the copolymers with different content have been characterized.

Automated summary

Functional polyethylene with pendant triphenylamine or carbazole groups was successfully synthesized using a rare earth metal catalyst, and the content of styrene derivatives in the copolymers was adjustable. The copolymers exhibited moderate molecular weight with narrow molecular weight distribution, and possessed random or pseudo-random sequence structure.