Processes including initiation of polymerization by hydrogen atom donation

Abstract

This invention relates to the polymerization of vinylically-unsaturated monomers in the presence of a chain transfer catalysts where the polymerization process is initiated with hydrogen gas or a hydrogen atom donor rather than conventional free radical initiators. This invention further relates to an improved process for the polymerization of vinylically-unsaturated monomers in the presence of a chain transfer catalysts where the polymerization process is initiated with hydrogen gas.

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . A process for polymerizing one or more vinylically-unsaturated monomers by contacting said vinylically-unsaturated monomers with a cobalt chain transfer catalyst and a hydrogen gas in the absence of conventional free radical initiators, said process carried out at a temperature from about room temperature to about 240° C., optionally in the presence of a solvent, 
 wherein the improvement is the addition of an electron donor selected from amines, nitrogen heterocycles such as pyridines, imidazole, pyrrole, pyrimidine, benzpyrazole, and phosphorus donor ligands.    
   
   
       19 . The process of claim  3  wherein the electron donor is selected from amines, nitrogen heterocycles, imidazole, pyrrole, pyrimidine, benzpyrazole, and phosphorous donor ligands.  
   
   
       20 . A polymer made by the process of  claim 18 .  
   
   
       21 . A product containing a polymer of  claim 20 , said product selected from: non-metallic chain transfer agents, components and intermediates for use in the production of graft copolymers, non-aqueous dispersed polymers, block copolymers, microgels, star polymers, branched polymers, structured polymers and ladder polymers.  
   
   
       22 . A product containing a polymer of  claim 20 , said product selected from: architectural coatings; aqueous and solvent-based finishes; high-build maintenance finishes; paints; printing inks; multilayer coatings; varnishes; crosslinking agents; defoamers; deaeraters; wetting agents; substrate wetting additives; surface control additives; reactive surface control additives; hydrophobing agents; antigraffiti agents; nucleating agents; personal care products; masks for screen printing; dental filling materials; adhesives; lubricants; oil drilling fluids; adhesion promoters; coupling agents; dispersants grinding agents; solder masks; tackifiers; leveling agents; artificial stone and marble; impact modifiers; compatibilizers; plasticizers; caulks; sealants; drug delivery agents; electronic materials; processing aids; antistatics; softeners; antioxidants; UV stabilizers; dispersion media; release agents; ion exchange resins or membranes; molded objects; extruded objects; chain transfer reagents; photopolymerizable materials; and etch or permanent resists for printed electronic circuits.  
   
   
       23 . A product selected from rigid polyurethanes, polyurethane foams, polyurethane adhesives and polyurethane finishes, comprising a hydroxyl-functionalized product of the process of  claim 20.