# Patent

## Title
Polymerization of i-butane in hydrocarbon media using bis(borane) co-initiators

## Abstract

A method is provided for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer by employing the step of using a novel coinitiator in an organic phase or a neat monomer reaction phase. More specifically, a method is provided for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer by employing the step of using a novel coinitiator in an organic phase or a neat monomer reaction phase, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer and wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

## Background
This application claims priority for provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/463,601 filed Apr. 17, 2003 and 60/518,236 field Nov. 7, 2003.


TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a cationic-polymerization method that uses new coinitiators.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Poly(isobutene) (PIB) is an important industrial commodity that is prepared by the polymerization of isobutene (IB), a cheap petrochemical obtained by the cracking of higher hydrocarbons. Depending on its molecular weight (MW), PIB is used in hundreds if not thousands of diverse applications, e.g., rubbers, lubricants, adhesives, viscosity control agents, additives. The polymerization of IB is carried out by large companies world-wide, including Exxon-Mobil, BASF, Oronite, BP, Japan Synthetic Rubber, etc.
IB polymerization is effected either in the bulk (BASF) or in the liquid phase by the use of hydrocarbon or chlorinated hydrocarbon diluents at cryogenic temperatures. The typical polymerization initiation systems include strong Lewis acids (BF3, AlCl3, TiCl4, etc); these acids are highly moisture sensitive and rapidly hydrolyze to noxious side products during work-up. Environmental concerns (air, water pollution) present important issues even with state-of-the-art industrial processes.
Cationically polymerized olefins, such as butyl rubber, a co-polymer of i-butene (IB) and isoprene (IP), have long been commercially important synthetic rubbers. For example, about 500 million pounds of butyl rubber (BR) were produced in the United States in 1991. Conventional methods of BR manufacture employ low temperature (as low as −100° C.) and the presence of a Lewis acid, such as AlCl3, in a chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent. Under these conditions, production of high MW (>200,000) BR, occurs at acceptable rates. Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents are used because they have sufficient polarity to stabilize the transition states, and thus lower the activation energy for ion generation in carbocationic polymerization. The low temperatures are used to slow the termination and chain transfer processes that limit the growth in the molecular weight of the polymer chains. Less polar solvents are generally less effective at stabilizing transition states, and thus fewer carbocations are produced that are active in polymerization. The solvent also needs to act as a fluid heat transfer medium to dissipate the heat of polymerization. The solvent should optimally dissolve the ingredients of the polymerization. Methyl chloride is useful in the synthesis of BR, as it is both a polar solvent (which enhances propagation rates) and a poor solvent for BR so that the process is a suspension polymerization at these low temperatures.
Recent legislation in the United States allows the continued use of methyl chloride in existing facilities, but expanded facilities and/or new plants will be required to use alternative solvents that are not chlorinated. Hence there is a need to develop initiators which will be effective in the absence of a halogenated solvent in producing high MW BR at commercially acceptable rates.
A variety of Lewis acidic, main group and transition metal initators or co-initiators of i-butene (IB) polymerization have been reported to provide poly(i-butene) (PIB) or co-polymers of IB and IP in the absence of chlorinated solvents or with a minimum amount of chlorinated solvents being present. However, none of these compositions is believed to provide BR of sufficiently high MW at acceptable rates in the absence of chlorinated solvents. Therefore, there is a continuing need to develop alternative initiator compositions.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




as a coinitiator in an organic phase or a neat monomer reaction phase.

This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:

RZn—R′—ZnR

    as a coinitiator in an organic phase or a neat monomer reaction phase;
    
        wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of a perfluorophenyl; 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl; 1-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluorobiphenyl; 3-perfluorobiphenyl; 4-perfluorobiphenyl; and p-R′′3Si-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl;
        wherein R′ is 1,2-perfluorophenylenyl; 1,2-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 2,3-perfluoronapthalenyl; 1,8-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 1,2-perfluoroanthracenyl; 2,3-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,9-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,2-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,3-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 1,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 9,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,2′-perfluorobiphenylenyl; 2,2′-perfluoro-1,1′-binaphthalenyl; 3,3′-perfluoro-2,2′-binaphthalenyl; or 1,1′-ferrocenyl; and
        wherein R′′ is a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, or C10 alkyl
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:

R2Y—R′—YR2

as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase;

    
    
        wherein Y is boron or aluminum;
        wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of a perfluorophenyl; 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl; 1-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluorobiphenyl; 3-perfluorobiphenyl; 4-perfluorobiphenyl; and p-R′′3Si-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl;
        wherein R′ is 1,2-perfluorophenylenyl; 1,2-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 2,3-perfluoronapthalenyl; 1,8-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 1,2-perfluoroanthracenyl; 2,3-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,9-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,2-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,3-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 1,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 9,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,2′-perfluorobiphenylenyl; 2,2′-perfluoro-1,1′-binaphthalenyl; 3,3′-perfluoro-2,2′-binaphthalenyl; or 1,1′-ferrocenyl; and
        wherein R′′ is a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, or C10 alkyl
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein X=CH2, NR, or O
        and ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein X=CH2, NR, or O
        and ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein X=CH2, NR, or O
        and ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to a method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention is generally directed to A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
        as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.
    
    


This invention generally provides a cationic-polymerization method that uses new coinitiators.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is the chemical structure of 1,2-bis(9-bora-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octafluorofluorenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene;
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a representative method of the invention for synthesizing 1,2-bis(9-bora-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octafluorofluorenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene;
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 1,8-bis(BArF2)hexafluoronaphthalene compound;
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 1,8-bis(BArF2)hexafluorobiphenylene compound;
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 9,10-bis(BArF2)octafluorophenanthrene compound;
FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 2,2′-bis(BArF2)octafluorobiphenyl compound;
FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 2,2′-bis(BArF2)dodecafluoro-1,1′-binaphthalene compound;
FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of representative compounds of the invention; a 1,8-bis(BArF2)hexafluorofluorene compound when X=CH2; a 1,8-bis(BArF2)hexafluorocarbazole compound when X=NR; and a 1,8-bis(BArF2)hexafluorodibenzofuran compound when X=O;
FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of representative dihydroanthracene compounds of the invention; a 1,8-bis(BArF2)-10,10-disubstituted-hexafluorodihydroanthracene compound when X=CH2; a 1,8-bis(BArF2)-10,10-disubstituted-9-aza-hexafluorodihydroanthracene compound when X=NR; and a 1,8-bis(BArF2)-10,10-disubstituted-9-oxo-hexafluorodihydroanthracene compound when X=O;
FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 1,2-bis(BArF2)hexafluoronaphthalene compound;
FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 2,3-bis(BArF2)hexafluoronaphthalene compound;
FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 2,3-bis(BArF2)octafluoroanthracene compound;
FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 1,2-bis(BArF2)octafluoroanthracene compound;
FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 1,9-bis(BArF2)octafluoroanthracene compound; and
FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of the chemical structure of a representative compound of the invention, a 3,3′-bis(BArF2)dodecafluoro-2,2′-binaphthalene compound.



PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
This invention generally provides a cationic-polymerization method that uses new coinitiators.
The following compounds can be used as cationic-polymerization coinitiators in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase:

RZn—R′—ZnR  1)

    wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of a perfluorophenyl; 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl; 1-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluorobiphenyl; 3-perfluorobiphenyl; 4-perfluorobiphenyl; and p-R′′3Si-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl;
    
        wherein R′ is 1,2-perfluorophenylenyl; 1,2-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 2,3-perfluoronapthalenyl; 1,8-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 1,2-perfluoroanthracenyl; 2,3-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,9-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,2-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,3-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 1,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 9,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,2′-perfluorobiphenylenyl; 2,2′-perfluoro-1,1′-binaphthalenyl; 3,3′-perfluoro-2,2′-binaphthalenyl; or 1,1′-ferrocenyl; and
        wherein R′′ is a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, or C10 alkyl

R2Y—R′—YR2  2)

    
    
    wherein Y is boron or aluminum;
    wherein R, R′, and R′′ is as described above.






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein X=CH2, NR, or O
        and ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    






    
    
        wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 
    
    


There is no limitation on the cationically polymerizable olefin that can be used. In one embodiment, the olefin monomer(s) selected from C2–C30 olefins, C2–C30 diolefins, especially C2–C20 olefins. Representative examples of olefins that may be polymerized using the initiator of the present invention include ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethyl-hexene, isobutylene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole and mixtures thereof. Diolefins may also be included. In one particular example, a mixture of isobutylene (i-butene) and about 0.5 to about 5 percent isoprene is cationically polymerized using the initiator of the present invention to produce butyl rubber. In another example, butyl rubber is produced by cationically polymerizing a mixture of isobutylene (i-butene) and about 0.5 to about 2.5 percent isoprene using the initiator of the present invention.
Useful amounts of the coinitiator can be determined by one having ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation.
The present invention also provides a method of cationically polymerizing at least one cationically polymerizable olefin using an initiating system that includes 1,2-C6F4[B(C6F5)2]2 (1-F4). 1-F4 may be synthesized according to the following scheme:







A schematic illustration of the syntheses of Compounds I and II is shown in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIG. 2, the synthetic route stats with tetrafluorodibromobenzene, which was converted to bis-boronic acid 1. The bis-boronic acid 1 was formed in good yield (75%) and then converted to the dipotassium salt of bis-trifluoroborate 2. Sequential treatment with boron trifluoride (BF3) and then boron tribromide (BBr3) converted bis-trifluoroborate 2 into bis-dibromoboryl compound 4, from which both Compounds I and II were prepared. Thus, the preparation of bis-dibromoboryl compound 4 constitutes a formal synthesis of Compounds I and II. The synthesis of Compound 1 is described in Example 1. The synthesis of Compound II is described in Example 2.
Thus, a method for making 1,2-bis(9-bora-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octafluorofluorenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene (Compound D is provided. In one embodiment, the synthetic method includes the following steps:

    (a) reacting a 1,2-salt of 3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene with a trialkylborate to provide a bis-boronic acid ester and hydrolyzing the bis-boronic acid ester to provide 1,2-bis[(dihydroxy)boryl]tetrafluorobenzene;
    (b) reacting 1,2-bis[(dihydroxy)boryl]tetrafluorobenzene with a hydrogen difluoride salt to provide a tetrafluorophenyl-bis-1,2-trifluoroborate salt;
    (c) reacting a tetrafluorophenyl-bis-1,2-trifluoroborate salt with boron trifluoride to provide 1,2-bis(difluoroboryl)tetrafluorobenzene;
    (d) reacting 1,2-bis(difluoroboryl)tetrafluorobenzene with boron tribromide to provide 1,2-bis(dibromoboryl)tetrafluorobenzene; and
    (e) reacting 1,2-bis(dibromoboryl)tetrafluorobenzene with a 9-(dialkyltin) perfluorofluorene to provide 1,2-bis(9-bora-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octafluorofluorenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene.


A method for making 1,2-bis[di(perfluorophenyl)boryl]-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene (Compound II) is also provided. In one embodiment, the method includes steps (a) through (d) above followed by reacting 1,2-bis(dibromoboryl)tetrafluorobenzene with di(perfluorophenyl)zinc, Zn(C6F5)2, to provide 1,2-bis[di(perfluorophenyl)boryl]-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene.
In one embodiment of the above synthetic methods, the 1,2 salt of 3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene is a 1,2-dilithium salt. In one embodiment, the 1,2-dilithium salt is made by reacting 1,2-dibromo-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene with n-butyl lithium.
In one embodiment of the above synthetic methods, the trialkylborate is trimethylborate.
Suitable alkyl groups include any alkyl group that permits the reaction to proceed efficiently under convenient reaction conditions. Examples of suitable alkyl groups include C1–C12 alkyl groups.
In one embodiment of the above synthetic methods, the hydrogen difluoride salt is potassium hydrogen difluoride.
In one embodiment of the above synthetic methods, the tetrafluorophenyl-bis-1,2-trifluoroborate salt is potassium tetrafluorophenyl-bis-1,2-trifluoroborate.
In one embodiment of the method for making 1,2-[B(C12F8)]2C6F4, the 9-(dialkyltin) perfluorofluorene is 9-(dimethyltin) perfluorofluorene. In another embodiment, the 9-(dialkyltin) perfluorofluorene is 9-(dibutyltin) perfluorofluorene.
Additionally, analogs of Compound I and Compound II, and methods for making the analogs are provided. Compounds I and II are 1,2-phenyl substituted compounds. Compound I includes a 1,2-phenyl “backbone” structure to which are covalently coupled two 9-bora-perfluorofluorenyl (i.e., —B(C12F8)) substituents. Similarly, Compound II includes a 1,2-phenyl “backbone” structure to which are covalently coupled two boryl di(perfluorophenyl) (i.e., —B(C6F5)2) substituents. In addition to compounds having 1,2-phenyl backbone structures, the present invention provides compounds having other backbone structures. Representative backbone structures other than 1,2-phenyl backbone structures are illustrated in FIGS. 3–15. In FIGS. 3–15, ArF represents a perfluoroaryl group. In these figures, the perfluoroaryl groups are representated as either ArF is C6F5 (monovalent perfluorophenyl) or ArF2 is C12F8 (divalent perfluorofluorene). It will be appreciated that other perfluoroaryl groups are within the scope of the invention.
In one or more embodiments of this invention, the coinitiator compounds are aryl compounds that bear two boron centers directly bonded to a carbon atom of an aromatic ring of the aryl compound. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3–15, the boron centers can be bonded to a monocyclic (see, for example, FIG. 1) or polycyclic aromatic (see, for example, FIGS. 3, 5, and 10–14). The boron centers can be bonded to the same ring of a polycyclic aromatic (see, for example, FIGS. 5 and 10–13). Alternatively, the boron centers can be bonded to different rings of a polycyclic aromatic (see, for example, FIGS. 3 and 14). In addition to monocyclic and polycyclic aromatic compounds, suitable backbone structures also include compounds having two aromatic rings (see, for example, FIGS. 4, 6–9, and 15). For these compounds, one boron center is bonded to a carbon atom of one aromatic ring and the second boron center is bonded to a carbon atom of a second aromatic ring.
The syntheses of Compounds I and II are illustrated in FIG. 2. By appropriate selection of the starting material (e.g., C6F4X2 in FIG. 2), a variety of diborane and diborole compounds (e.g., the compounds illustrated in FIGS. 3–15) can be similarly prepared. In the synthetic method, an appropriate starting material (e.g., dihalo or hydrogen substituted aryl compound) is converted to a bis-boronic acid. The bis-boronic acid is then converted to the dipotassium salt of the bis-trifluoroborate. Sequential treatment with boron trifluoride (BF3) and then boron tribromide (BBr3) converts the bis-trifluoroborate into a bis-dibromoboryl compound, from which the final compounds can be prepared. The bis-dibromoboryl compound can be treated with the 9-(dimethyltin)perfluorofluorene to provide the corresponding 9-borafluorenyl compounds (i.e., diborole compounds). Alternatively, the bis-dibromoboryl compound can be treated with an appropriate organometallic reagent (e.g., di(perfluorophenyl) zinc) to provide the corresponding diboranes. Thus, a general synthetic methodology is provided for aryl compounds substituted with either two borole centers (i.e., aryl diborole) or two borane centers (i.e., aryl diborane).
In order to demonstrate the practice of the current invention, the following examples are presented.
EXAMPLES
All glassware was silanized with either Me2SiCl2 or Aquaphobe® and then dried in vacuo prior to use. Hexane, toluene and CH2Cl2 were pre-purified by passage through columns of activated A-2 alumina and Q-5 deoxo catalyst. Hexane and toluene were further distilled from potassium and sodium metal, respectively and stored over activated 4 Å molecular sieves. Nitrogen gas was dried by passing it through a column packed with a 1:1 v:v mixture of activated 3 Å molecular sieves and BASF R3–11 catalyst followed by a second column packed with alternating layers of 3 Å mol. sieves and SicaPent® indicator. IB gas was purified by passage through a column of 3 Å mol. sieves and BASF R3–11 catalyst prior to use. Bis(borane) 1-F4 was prepared using modifications to the literature procedure and purified by recrystallization from toluene and hexane. Cumyl chloride (CuCl) was prepared by hydrochlorination of α-methylstyrene and degassed prior to use. 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylpyridine (DTBMP) was obtained from commercial sources and dried by azeotropic distillation of a toluene solution prior to use. Tris(perfluoro-phenyl)borane was obtained from commercial sources, purified by recrystallization from hexane solution, and was dried by storage of a toluene solution over activated 4 Å mol. sieves. Tris(perfluorophenylenemercury) was prepared by decarboyxlation of mercury perfluorophthalate as described in P. Sartori et al. Chem. Ber. 1968, 101, 2004–9 while bis(perfluorophenyl)zinc was prepared by decarboxylation of zinc perfluorobenzoate as described in P. Sartori et al. Chem. Ber. 1967, 100, 3016–23. Bis(borane) o-C6F4[B(C6F5)2]2 (1-F4) was prepared with modifications to the literature method (Williams et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc 1999, 121, 3244–3245) and purified by recrystallization from toluene and hexane. Triphenylmethyl tetrakis(perfluorophenyl)borate was prepared from the corresponding lithium salt and triphenylmethyl chloride and purified as described in the literature (Chien, J. C. W.; Tsai, W. M.; Rausch, M. D. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1991, 113, 8570–1). Lithiumtetrakis(perfluoropheny)borate was purchased from commercial sources and used without purification while [(Et2O)2H][B(C6F5)4] was prepared from [Li][B(C6F5)4] as described in Jutzi, P.; Mueller, C.; Stammler, A.; Stammler, H.-G. Organometallics 2000, 19, 1442–1444.
Dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide and sodium dodecyl sulfate were obtained from commercial sources and used without purification. Dodecyltrimethylammonium triflate and tetrafluoroborate were prepared from the bromide on treatment with an aqueous solution of silver triflate or silver tetrafluoroborate, respectively. A stock solution of LiCl (121.4 g, 2.86 mole) and NaCl (6.33 g, 0.108 mole) in H2O (400 g, 22.20 mole) (hereinafter referred to as anti-freeze solution) (Akopov, E.; Ah. Prikl. Kim. 1963, 36, 1916–1919) was prepared and was used for most of the polymerization experiments in aqueous suspension or emulsion summarized below. In selected cases, 38 wt % aqueous sulfuric acid or 48 wt % aqueous fluoroboric acid were used instead of anti-freeze solution.
Synthesis of 1,2-Bis(dibromoboryl)tetrafluorobenzene
To a 100 mL round bottom single neck flask containing a magnetic stir bar was charged 2.08 g (1.99×10−3 mol) tris(perfluoro-o-phenylenemercury) inside a glove box. The flask was next fitted with an air-free style adapter featuring 24/40 outer and inner members connected via an in-line PTFE vacuum stopcock and subsequently attached to a vacuum line with traps pre-charged with 5 wt % KOH in isopropanol. Next, 50 mL dry benzene followed by 12.0 g (4.77×10−2 mol) BBr3 were vacuum transferred to the flask containing the tris(perfluoro-o-phenylenemercury). The reaction mixture was then stirred for 24 hours at room temperature under vacuum and then brought into the glove box. Next, the reaction mixture was directly filtered into a tared Carius tube through a frit attached to the 24/40 neck of an air-free style adapter sealed to the Carius tube. The Carius tube was then affixed to the vacuum line and its contents were place under dynamic vacuum to effect removal of volatiles. This resulted in the production of 2.63 g (90% yield) of a light brown crystalline product. 19F NMR spectroscopy showed this material to be >95% pure. 19F NMR (benzene-d6, 300K, 300 MHz): d −126.21 (d, 2F, o-C6F5), −147.79 (d, 2F, m-C6F4).
Synthesis of 1,2-Bis[bis(pentafluorophenyl)boryl]tetrafluorobenzene
To the Carius tube containing 2.63 g (5.38×10−3 mol) 1,2-Bis(dibromoboryl) tetrafluorobenzene was added 4.50 g (1.13×10 −2 mol) bis(pentafluorophenyl)zinc and 75 mL dried toluene inside a glove box resulting in the production of a chartreuse colored reaction mixture and the production of a grey precipitate. The tube was then affixed to a vacuum line and subjected to three consecutive freeze/pump/thaw cycles after which the contents were heated to 111° C. for 12 hours. The cooled reaction mixture was then filtered into a 250 mL single neck round bottom flask fitted with a filter frit inside the glove box after which the frit was replaced with an adjustable 24/40 gas inlet adapter. The flask was then connected to a Schlenk line and placed under dynamic vacuum to affect removal of the volatiles to yield a lightly yellow solid. This material was then recrystallized several times from a 60/40 vol/vol mixture of toluene and hexane to give 4.01 g (89%) white crystals. 19F NMR spectroscopy showed this material to be >99% pure. 19F NMR (CDCl3, 300K, 282 MHz) d−124.41 (d, 2F, o-C6F4), −126.0 (d, 8F, o-C6F5), −141.30 (t, 4F, p-C6F5), −147.74 (d, 2F, m-C6F4), −160.26 (m, 8F, m-C6F5).
POLYMERIZATION EXAMPLES
Example 1
Polymerization of IB in Liquid Monomer
IB was condensed at −78° C. into a graduated cylinder under N2 on a vacuum line. Twelve mL was then vacuum transferred into a rb flask containing about 1 g of tri-n-octylaluminum. After stirring for 30 min at −78° C., the monomer was vacuum transferred to a second rb flask equipped with a septum inlet. A toluene solution of 1-F4 (0.048 mL of 0.05 M solution, final concentration 0.20 mM) was added to the rapidly stirred monomer via gas-tight syringe at −78° C. An uncontrolled, exothermic polymerization occurred which was accompanied by rapid gelation of the solution and cessation of stirring. After quenching with 1 mL 0.2M NaOCH3 in methanol, all volatiles were removed and the residue was washed with methanol prior to being taken up in hexane. The resultant polymer solution was filtered, concentrated to dryness, and dried in a vacuum oven at 30 in Hg at 90° C. for 24 h. Yield and characterization data are summarized in the Table. Under the same conditions, but in the presence of 2–20 mM DTBP, little to no PIB is formed thus implicating initiation by protic impurities.
Example 2
Co-Polymerization of IB with Isoprene in Liquefied Monomer
IB was condensed at −78° C. into a graduated cylinder under N2 on a vacuum line. About 12 mL was then vacuum transferred into a rb flask containing about 1 g of tri-n-octylaluminum and 0.18 mL of isoprene. After stirring for 30 min at −78° C., the monomer and isoprene were vacuum transferred to a second rb flask equipped with a septum inlet. A toluene solution of 1-F4 (0.048 mL of 0.05 M solution, final concentration 0.20 mM) was added to the rapidly stirred monomer solution via gas-tight syringe. An uncontrolled, violently exothermic polymerization occurred which was accompanied by rapid gelation of the solution and cessation of stirring. The polymerization was halted as described in Example 1 after one hour at −78° C. Polymer was isolated as described in Example 1 and 6.67 g of butyl rubber (76% conversion) was obtained with Mw=71.1 K and Mw/Mn=2.08. A 1H NMR spectrum of this material revealed the presence of about 2 mol % trans-1,4-isoprene units.
Examples 3–5
Polymerization of IB in Hexane Solution
IB was condensed at −78° C. into a graduated cylinder under N2 on a vacuum line. About five mL was then vacuum transferred into a rb flask containing about 1 g of tri-n-octylaluminum and 19 mL of hexane. After stirring for 30 min at −78° C., the monomer and solvent were vacuum transferred to a second rb flask equipped with a septum inlet. A toluene solution of 1-F4 (0.766 mL of 0.065 M solution, final concentration 2.0 mM) was added to the rapidly stirred monomer solution via gas-tight syringe. A controlled polymerization occurred which was quenched as described in Example 1 after one hour at −78° C. Polymer was isolated as described in Example 1 and results are summarized in the Table.
Example 6
Polymerization of IB in Hexane Solution in the Presence of Low Concentrations of 1-F4 
IB was condensed at −78° C. into a graduated cylinder under N2 on a vacuum line. About five mL was then vacuum transferred into a rb flask containing about 1 g of tri-n-octylaluminum and 19 mL of hexane. After stirring for 30 min at −78° C., the monomer and solvent were vacuum transferred to a second rb flask equipped with a septum inlet. A toluene solution of 1-F4 (0.766 mL of 0.065 mM solution, final concentration 2.0×10−6 M) was added to the rapidly stirred monomer solution via gas-tight syringe. A controlled polymerization occurred which was quenched as described in Example 1 after one hour at −78° C. Polymer was isolated as described in Example 1 to provide 117 mg of PIB (3.0% conversion) with Mw=483 K and Mw/Mn=1.90.
In a separate experiment, a solution of IB and hexane of the same composition and prepared in the same manner was titrated with a stock solution of benzophenone ketyl in xylenes/tetraglyme to a pale blue end point. In this manner the concentration of dissolved water was estimated to be 2.5×10−5 M or roughly 10× higher than the amount of 1-F4 used in the above experiment.
Comparative Example 1
Using the procedure summarized in Examples 2–4, a toluene solution of B(C6F5)3 (0.80 mL of 0.126 M, final concentration 4.0 mM) was added to a hexane solution of IB. After 1 hour at −78° C., work-up as described above provided trace quantities of PIB; properties are summarized in the Table.
Examples 7–10
Polymerization of IB in Hexane Solution in the Presence of CumCl and DTBP
The procedure of examples 2–4 was followed. Prior to the addition of 1-F4, a hexane solution of DTBP (1.0 mL of 0.5 M) and cumyl chloride (0.172 mL of 0.029 M in CH2Cl2) were added to a solution of IB in hexane at −78° C., followed by the addition of 1-F4 as described in Example 2. A controlled polymerization occurred which was worked up after 1 h as in Example 1 and the results are summarized in the Table.
Comparative Example 2
Using the procedure summarized in Examples 5–8, a toluene solution of B(C6F5)3 (0.80 mL of 0.126 M, final concentration 4.0 mM) was added to a solution of IB, cumyl chloride and DTBP in hexane. After 1 hour at −78° C., work-up as described above failed to provide detectable quantities of PIB.







TABLE







Polymerization of i-Butene in Hexane Solution at −78° C.















1-F4
CumCl
IB
DTBP
Mw

Yield


Example
(mM)
(mM)
(M)
(mM)
(K)
PDI
(%)

















1
0.20
0
14.6a
0
69.0
3.16
100


3
0.64
0
0.56
0
97.8
2.22
100


4
2.00
0
3.3
0
195
3.18
100


5
2.00
0
3.3
0
258
2.38
100


B(C6F5)3
0
0
3.3
0
96.8
1.75
0.10


(4 mM)


7
2.00
0.20
2.8
20
393
2.06
22


8
2.00
0.30
2.8
20
255
1.92
21


9
2.00
0.20
2.8
2
779
2.11
93


10 
2.00
0.20
3.3
20
361
1.72
42


B(C6F5)3
0
0.20
3.3
20
—
—
0


(4 mM)





aLiquid i-butene.






Comparative Example 3
Using the procedure summarized in Example 10, 10.0 mL of a hexane:CH2Cl2 (60:40 v:v) solution of [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] (2.4 mM) was added to 18.0 mL of IB and 18.0 mL of anti-freeze solution at −60° C. On addition the mixture turned yellow in color. After 1 hour work-up as described above provided no poly(isobutene).
Comparative Example 4
Using the procedure summarized in Example 10, a hexane solution of B(C6F5)3 (10.0 mL of 2.4 mM) was added to 18.0 mL of IB and 18.0 mL of anti-freeze solution at −60° C. After 1 hour, work-up as described above failed to provide detectable quantities of polymer.
Comparative Example 5
Using the procedure summarized in Example 12, 18.0 mL of IB was condensed into a solution of 0.020 g (2.39×10−5 moles) [Li][B(C6F5)4] in 18.0 mL of anti-freeze solution. The flask contents were then stirred under N2 at −60° C. at 550 rpm. Polymerization was allowed to continue for a full hour before warming the reactor contents to room temperature by diluting the reactor contents with additional water and CH2Cl2. During this period, large amounts of gas evolved. Organics were then extracted with CH2Cl2 and dried over MgSO4 before isolating solids by removal of volatiles under reduced pressure. No PIB was isolated and the addition of 18.0 mL of CH2Cl2 to increase the solubility of this salt in the organic phase did not affect the outcome.
Comparative Example 6
Using the procedure summarized in Example 12, 1.0 mL of a toluene solution of [(Et2O)2H][B(C6F5)4](12 mM) was to 18.0 mL of IB and 18.0 mL of anti-freeze solution at −60° C. After 1 hour work-up as described above provided no poly(isobutene).
Comparative Example 7
Using the procedure summarized in Example 12, 1.0 mL of a toluene solution of 9,10-(C6F5B)2C12F8 (compound 2, 10 mM) was added to 18.0 mL of IB and 18.0 mL of anti-freeze solution at −60° C. After 1 hour work-up as described above provided no poly(isobutene).
Example 11
Synthesis of 1,2-bis-(9-Bora-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octafluorofluorenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrafluoro-benzene:  1,2-[B(C12F8)]2C6F4 
General Considerations. NMR spectra were measured on a Bruker Avance DRX-400 (11B at 128.41 MHz) and a Bruker AMX2-300 (19F at 282.41 MHz). 11B NMR spectra were referenced relative to BF3.Et2O at 0 ppm. 19F NMR spectra were referenced externally to C6F6 at −163 ppm relative to CFCl3 at 0 ppm. 1,2-Dibromotetrafluorobenzene (Aldrich), 1.6 M BuLi (Aldrich), KHF2 (Aldrich), and BF3 (Aldrich) were used as supplied. B(OCH3)3 (Aldrich) was distilled over Na prior to use and BBr3 (Aldrich) was distilled from Cu wire prior to use.
All manipulations with aryldihalogenboranes were performed using standard vacuum and Schlenk techniques or in a glovebox under an atmosphere of argon. CH2Cl2 was distilled from CaH2 prior to use. CD2Cl2 and C6D6 were purchased from Cambridge Isotopes and rigorously dried then distilled from CaH2 and Na/benzophenone respectively. CD3CN and D2O were purchased from Cambridge Isotopes and Aldrich, respectively, and used as is.
The synthesis of 1,2-bis-(9-bora-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octafluorofluorenyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene described below is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2.
Synthesis of 1,2-bis-[(Dihydroxy)boryl]tetrafluorobenzene (1). Butyllithium (1.6 M in hexanes, 12.6 mL, 20.16 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 1,2-dibromotetrafluorobenzene (2.6 g, 8.44 mmol) in ether (50 mL) at −78° C. After 2 hours this solution was slowly added to a pre-cooled solution (−78° C.) of trimethylborate (2.3 mL, 20.52 mmol) in ether (25 mL). The resulting suspension was stirred at −78° C. for two hours then gradually warmed to room temperature and hydrolyzed with 20 mL of 10% HCl. The yellow organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (3×15 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water (3×10 mL) and dried over magnesium sulfate. Removal of solvent under reduced pressure gave a yellow oil that was recrystallized from water at a pH of 4 to afford a crystalline solid. (1.5 g, 75%) 19F NMR(D2O/HCl)d: −136.6 (d, JF-F=28.3 Hz, 2F, C6F4), −156.5 (d, JF-F=28.3 Hz, 2F, C6F4). 11B NMR (D2O/HCl) d: 16.9 (br).
Synthesis of Potassium Tetrafluorophenyl-bis-1,2-trifluoroborate (2). A solution of the bis-boronic acid 1 (2.4 g, 10.11 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) was added to a stirred solution of potassium hydrogenfluoride (5.5 g, 70.41 mmol) in water (40 mL) and stirred for 1 hour. The solution was filtered and the solid was washed with water (3×10 mL) then ether (3×10 mL) and dried under reduced pressure. The product was recrystallized from hot acetonitrile affording an off-white solid (1.04 g, 28%). 19F NMR (CD3CN/D2O) d: −139.0 (d, JF-F=28.2 Hz, 2F, C6F4), −144.1 (m, 6F, —BF3), −160.1 (d, JF-F=28.2 Hz, 2F, C6F4). 11B NMR (CD3CN/D2O) d: 3.9 (multiplet).
Synthesis of 1,2-bis-(Difluoroboryl)tetrafluorobenzene (3). An excess of boron trifluoride gas was introduced to a stirred suspension of the potassium aryltrifluoroborate salt 2 (1.0 g, 27.32 mmol) in dichloromethane in a thick walled bomb at −40° C. After 30 minutes the solution was degassed under vacuum at −78° C. The resultant red colored solution was filtered and the remaining solid was washed with dichloromethane (2×5 mL). A deep red liquid was obtained after the solvent was distilled from product under reduced pressure. (0.4 g, 60%). 19F NMR (CD2Cl2) d: −72.4 (br. s, 4F, —BF2), −126.9 (m, 2F, C6F4), −146.5 (m, 2F, C6F4). 11B NMR (CD2Cl2) d: 22.6 (br m).
Synthesis of 1,2-bis-(Dibromoboryl)tetrafluorobenzene (4). Boron tribromide (0.76 g, 3.05 mmol) was introduced to a solution of 3 (0.15 g, 0.61 mmol) in toluene (5 mL) in a thick walled bomb at −78° C. The bomb was sealed and heated at 60° C. for 30 minutes. Volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to afford the desired product. (0.25 g, 85%). 19F NMR (C6D6) d: −125.7 (m, 2F, C6F4), −147.3 (m, 2F, C6F4). 11B NMR (C6D6) d: 54 (br).
Synthesis of 1,2-bis-[9-Bora-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octafluorofluorenyl)tetrafluorobenzene (Compound I). C12F8SnMe2 (0.786 g, 1.77 mmol) and C6F4(BBr2)2 (0.435 g, 0.84 mmol) were dissolved in toluene (20 ml), sealed in glass bomb equipped with a Kontes valve and heated to 85° C. for 36 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the Me2SnBr2 by-product was removed via sublimation (30° C., 0.01 mm Hg). The sublimation residues were placed in a frit assembly and hexanes (30 ml) was condensed into the flask. The solution was cooled to −78° C. and stirred for 1 hour. The solution was cold filtered and a light yellow solid was obtained and dried in vacuo. Yield: 0.520 g, 81.2%. 19F NMR (C6D6): d −121.1 (br, 4F), −123.6 (aa′bb′ pattern, 2F), −128.9 (br, 4F), −138.6 (br, 4F), −148.6 (aa′bb′ pattern, 2F), −151.9 (br, 4F). 1max (hexanes) 425 nm e=5.9×102 L mol−1cm−1. Anal. Calcd. for C30F20B2: C, 47.29. Found: C, 47.78.
Example 12
Synthesis of 1,2-bis-[Di(perfluorophenyl)boryl]-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene: 1,2-[B(C6F5)2]2C6F4 
The synthesis of 1,2-bis-[di(perfluorophenyl)boryl]-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene (1,2-[B(C6F5)2]2C6F4) (Compound II) described below is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2.
Compound II was prepared from 1,2-bis-(dibromoboryl)tetrafluorobenzene (4), prepared as described above in Example 1.
Toluene (25 ml) was condensed into an evacuated bomb containing Zn(C6F5)2 (1.40 g, 3.50 mmol) at −78° C. To this colorless solution was added boran 1,2-bis-(dibromoboryl)tetrafluorobenzene (0.84 g, 1.73 mmol) as a neat liquid. The mixture was heated at 80° C. for 12 hours, after which the toluene was removed under reduced pressure. The white residue was extracted using toluene (40 ml), filtered and concentrated. The product was isolated after crystallization from hot toluene and washing with cold hexanes (0.8 g, 0.95 mmol, 55%). 19F NMR (C6D6) δ−127.6 (m, 2F, C6F4); −128.5 (d, 8F, o-C6F5); −141.6 (m, 2F, C6F4); −148.9 (m, 4F, p-C6F5); −161.5 (m, 8F, m-C6F5). Anal. Calcd. for C30B2F24: C, 42.9. Found: C, 42.5.
The invention is particularly suited for the synthesis of polyisobutene and butyl rubber, but is necessarily limited thereto. The method of the present invention can be used separately with other methods and the like, as well as for the manufacture of other polyolefin materials.
It is, therefore, to be understood that any variations evident fall within the scope of the claimed invention and thus, the selection of specific component elements can be determined without departing from the spirit of the invention herein disclosed and described.

## Claims

1. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:




as a coinitiator in an organic phase or a neat monomer reaction phase.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the chemical structure is:

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 g diolefin.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

8. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:


RZn—R′—ZnR


as a coinitiator in an organic phase or a neat monomer reaction phase;
wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of a perfluorophenyl; 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl; 1-perfluoronaphthyl: 2-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluorobiphenyl; 3-perfluoronaphenyl; 4-perfluorobiphenyl; and p-R′′3Si-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl;
wherein R′ is 1,2-perfluorophenylenyl; 1,2-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 2,3-perfluoronapthalenyl; 1,8-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 1,2-perfluoroanthracenyl; 2,3-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,9-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,2-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,3-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 1,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 9,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,2′-perfluorobiphenylenyl; 2,2′-perfluoro-1,1′-binaphthalenyl; 3,3′-perfluoro-2,2′-binaphthalenyl; or 1,1′-ferrocenyl; and
wherein R′′is a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8 C9, or C10 alkyl.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the neat monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

14. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:


R2Y—R′—YR2


as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase
wherein Y is boron;
wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of a perfluorophenyl; 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl; 1-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluorobiphenyl; 3-perfluorobiphenyl; 4-perfluorobiphenyl; and p-R′′3Si-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl;
wherein R′ is 1,2-perfluorophenylenyl; 1,2-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 2,3-perfluoronapthalenyl; 1,8-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 1,2-perfluoroanthracenyl; 2,3-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,9-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,2-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,3-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 1,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 9,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,2-perfluorobiphenylenyl; 2,2′-perfluoro-1,1-binaphthalenyl; 3,3′-perfluoro-2,2′-binaphthalenyl; or 1,1′-ferrocenyl; and
wherein R′′is a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, or C10 alkyl.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the chemical structure is:

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

21. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

27. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

32. The method of claim 27, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

33. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

38. The method of claim 33, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

39. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

44. The method of claim 39, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

45. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

48. The method of claim 45, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

49. The method of claim 45, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

50. The method of claim 45, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

51. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein X=CH2, NR, or O and ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butane, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

54. The method of claim 51, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

55. The method of claim 51, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

56. The method of claim 51, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

57. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein X=CH2, NR, or O and ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

59. The method of claim 57, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

60. The method of claim 57, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

61. The method of claim 57, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

62. The method of claim 57, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

63. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

65. The method of claim 63, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

66. The method of claim 63, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

67. The method of claim 63, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

68. The method of claim 63, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

69. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 wherein as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

71. The method of claim 69, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

72. The method of claim 69, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

73. The method of claim 69, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

74. The method of claim 69, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

75. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 wherein as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

77. The method of claim 75, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

78. The method of claim 75, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

79. The method of claim 75, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

80. The method of claim 75, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

81. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

83. The method of claim 81, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

84. The method of claim 81, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

85. The method of claim 81, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

86. The method of claim 81, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

87. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

89. The method of claim 87, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

90. The method of claim 87, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

91. The method of claim 87, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

92. The method of claim 87, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

93. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomers comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:



wherein ArF=C6F5 or ArF2=C12F8 as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

95. The method of claim 93, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

96. The method of claim 93, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

97. The method of claim 93, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

98. The method of claim 93, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.

99. A method for cationically polymerizing olefin monomer comprising the step of using a composition having the chemical structure:


R2Y—R′—YR2


as a coinitiator in an organic phase or neat monomer reaction phase;
wherein Y is aluminum; wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of a perfluorophenyl; 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl; 1-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluoronaphthyl; 2-perfluorobiphenyl; 3-perfluorobiphenyl; 4-perfluorobiphenyl; and p-R′′3Si-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl;
wherein R′ is 1,2-perfluorophenylenyl; 1,2-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 2,3-perfluoronapthalenyl; 1,8-perfluoronaphthalenyl; 1,2-perfluoroanthracenyl; 2,3-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,9-perfluoroanthracenyl; 1,2-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,3-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 1,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 9,10-perfluorophenanthrenyl; 2,2′-perfluorobiphenylenyl; 2,2′-perfluoro-1,1′-binaphthalenyl; 3,3-perfluoro-2,2′-binaphthalenyl; or 1,l′-ferrocenyl; and
wherein R′′is a C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, or C10 alkyl.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein the chemical structure is:

101. The method of claim 99, wherein the olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of:
ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, dodecene, dodecyldocene, 3-methyl pentene, 3,5,5-trimethylhexene, isobutene, 2-methyl-butene, 2-methyl-pentene, vinyl ether, vinyl carbazole, isoprene, and combinations thereof.

102. The method of claim 99, wherein the olefin monomer is a C2–C30 olefin or a C2–C30 diolefin.

103. The method of claim 99, wherein the olefin monomer is isobutene.

104. The method of claim 99, wherein the organic phase is a hydrocarbon solution of the monomer or a halogenated-hydrocarbon solution of the monomer.

105. The method of claim 99, wherein the neat-monomer reaction phase is a liquid monomer.