(544dc) Achieving Low-Cost and Accelerated Living Cationic Polymerization of Isobutyl Vinyl Ether in Microflow System

In this work, we proposed and realized a strategy for fast and low-cost living cationic polymerization of IBVE based on temporary stability of propagating chain. It combines the decrease of added base addition to increase the polymerization rate and the use of microflow system to enhance process regulation. To assure the living characteristic, the concentration of added base DO was allowed to be as low as 0.1 M for IBVE-HCl/SnCl₄/DO initiation system and 0.5 M for IBVE-HCl/FeCl₃/DO initiation system, respectively; the time to achieve 80% conversion could decrease to around 5 s. We also discussed the effect of reaction mode on the polymerization performances, and recognized the mechanism and requirement to achieve living cationic polymerization at decreased added base addition. These recognitions may broaden the horizon of living cationic polymerization, and improve its commercial value with respect to productivity and cost.