The importance of the solvent in anionic polymerization

Anionic polymerization is a form of chain-growth polymerization. This type of polymerization is employed to produce thermoplastic elastomers and other materials such as synthetic polydiene rubbers. Anionic polymerization is based on the formation of active polymerization centers of anionic nature, and then on the propagation of this negative charge. This leads to macromolecular architectures.

This polymerization is carried out in solution, in a homogeneous medium:

• The use of an aprotic solvent is necessary. The solvent must be inert in the presence of the active polymerization centers.
• The reaction medium must be anhydrous (presence of water would destroy most anionic initiators)
• The polymerization takes place under an inert atmosphere (Nitrogen/Argon)

The choice of the solvent is therefore important because it allows a more precise control of the size and ramification of the macromolecular architectures. The solvent intervenes at three levels:

• the kinetics of the polymerization reaction
• the equilibrium between aggregated/dissociated species in solution
• the way the substituents are arranged along the main chain (tacticity)

The polymers obtained in these solvents can be directly used depending on the application (glues, paints, etc.).

Among our new range of ERBAdry? anhydrous solvents, we have selected our most suitable solvents for anionic polymerization:?

• Tetrahydrofuran stabilized with BHT
• Dichloromethane
• 1,4-Dioxane stabilized with BHT
• Cyclohexane
• n-Pentane

The novelty of our ERBAdry? range lies in a new generation of caps for improved ergonomics and better retention of the water content over time.

To discover all the advantages, read our article on our website.