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 - 23 . (canceled)  
   
   
       24 . A polymer made by a process comprising: providing one or more vinylinically-unsaturated monomers; contacting the one or more vinylinically unsaturated monomers with a cobalt chain transfer catalyst and hydrogen gas in the absence of conventional free radical initiators, at a temperature of from room temperature to about 240° C., in the presence of an electron donor, optionally in the presence of a solvent.  
   
   
       25 . The polymer of  claim 24  wherein the electron donor is selected from amines, nitrogen heterocycles, and phosphorous donor ligands.  
   
   
       26 . The polymer of  claim 25  wherein the nitrogen heterocycle is imidazole, pyrrole, pyrimidine, or benzpyrazole.  
   
   
       27 . A product containing a polymer of  claim 24 , 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 resists and permanent resists for printed electronic circuits.  
   
   
       28 . A product comprising a hydroxyl-functionalized polymer made by the process of  claim 24 , said product selected from rigid polyurethanes, polyurethane foams, polyurethane adhesives and polyurethane finishes.