FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to functionalization of vinyl terminated polyolefins by hydrothiolation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Methods for the production of polyolefins with end-functionalized groups are typically multi-step processes that often create unwanted by-products and waste of reactants and energy. For reviews of methods to form end-functionalized polyolefins, see: (a) S. B. Amin and T. J. Marks, Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 2008, 47, pp. 2006-2025; (b) T. C. Chung Prog. Polym. Sci. 2002, 27, pp. 39-85; and (c) R. G. Lopez, F. D'Agosto, C. Boisson Prog. Polym. Sci. 2007, 32, pp. 419-454. A process with a reduced number of steps, even one step, would be desirable. See C. Janiak, Coordination Chemistry Review, 2006, 250, pp. 66-94 (Scheme 1 focuses on vinylidene PP).

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 4,1 10,377 discloses secondary aliphatic amines alkylated with alpha-olefins, such as ethylene, propylene, hexene, and undecene. Likewise, several literature references disclose hydroaminoalkylation of olefins using various catalysts (see J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, pp. 14940-14941 ; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, pp. 6690-6691; Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 2009, 48, pp. 8361-8365; Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, 2009, 48, pp. 4892-4894; Yuki Gosei Kagaku Kyokaishi (2009), 67(8), pp. 843-844; Angewandte Chemie, International Edition, (2009), 48(6), pp. 1153-1156; Tetrahedron Letters (2003), 44(8), pp. 1679-1683; Synthesis (1980), (4), pp. 305-306). Corey discloses low molecular weight olefins treated with hydrosilanes in the presence of CP2MCI2 and n-BuLi to prepare low molecular weight hydrosilylated products.

[0004] None of the above references however disclose functionalization of polyolefins, particularly polyolefins having Mn's over 500 g/mol having large amounts of vinyl terminal groups.

[0005] US 8,399,725 discloses certain vinyl terminated polymers that are functionalized, optionally for use in lubricant applications.

[0006] US 8,372,930 discloses certain vinyl terminated polymers that are functionalized in US 8,399,725.

[0007] US 8,283,419 discloses a process to functionalize propylene homo- or copolymer comprising contacting an alkene metathesis catalyst with a heteroatom containing alkene and a propylene homo- or copolymer having terminal unsaturation.

[0008] Additional references of interest include: Polyethylene End Functionalization Using Radical-Mediated Thiol-Ene Chemistry: Use of Polyethylenes Containing Alkene End Functionality, Macromolecules 2011, 44, pp. 3381-3387; Facile polyisobutylene functionalization via thiol-ene click chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, 2010, 1, pp. 831-833; and Reaction of functionalized thiols with oligoisobutenes via free-radical addition. Some new routes to thermoplastic crosslinkable polymers, European Polymer Journal, 2003, 39, pp. 1395-1404; Functionalized polyisobutenes by SH-en addition, Die Angewandte Makromolekulare Chemie, 1997, 253, pp. 51-64; and Terminal Functionalization of Polypropylene by Radical-Mediated Thiol-Ene Addition, Macromolecules, 2005, 38, pp. 5538-5544. Except for the reference of Macromolecules 2011, 44, pp. 3381-3387, all others use and teach thiol-ene chemistry of vinylidene-terminated PIB and PP. Additional references of interest include U.S. Patent Nos. 6,1 11,027; 7,183,359; 6, 100,224; and 5,616, 153.

[0009] Thus, there is a need to develop a means to provide functionalized polyolefins (particularly end-functionalized) by efficient reactions, particularly reactions with good conversion, preferably under mild reaction conditions with a minimal number of steps, preferably one or two steps. The instant invention's use of hydrothiolation to introduce thiol and/or carbon functionality is both a commercially economical and an "atom-economical" route to end-functionalized polyolefins.

[0010] End-functionalized polyolefins that feature a chemically reactive or polar end group are of interest for use in a broad range of applications as compatibilizers, tie-layer modifiers, surfactants, adhesives, surface modifiers, and the like. Herein is described a novel method for their production by the reaction of vinyl-terminated polyolefins with hydrothiolating agents. This method is useful for a range of vinyl terminated polyolefins, including isotactic polypropylene (iPP), atactic polypropylene (aPP), ethylene propylene copolymer (EP), polyethylene (PE), and particularly propylene copolymers with larger alpha- olefin comonomers such as butene, hexene, octene, etc. The vinyl terminated polyolefin useful herein can be linear or branched.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This invention relates to a polyolefin composition comprising one or more compositions represented by one or more of the following formulae:

wherein the PO is the residual portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) having had a terminal unsaturated carbon of an allylic chain and a vinyl carbon adjacent to the terminal unsaturated carbon; wherein X is one of a trialkoxysilane, carboxylic acid, carboxylic ester, carboxylic acid salt, carboxamide, carbonate, carbamate, phosphonic acid, phosphonic ester, phosphonic acid salt, sulfonic acid, sulfonic ester, sulfonic acid salt, nitrile, hydroxyl, an amino (primary, secondary, or tertiary, e.g., quaternized), an alkyl ether, an aryl ether, a thioether, an arylthioether, boronic acid, boronic ester, boronic acid salt, or halogen; and Ri is an aryl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, or alkyl group.

[0012] Hydrothiolation (also commonly known as thiol-ene reaction) of vinyl terminated macromonomers (e.g., polypropylene, ethylene-propylene, propylene-higher alpha olefin copolymer with high vinyl content at chain end) with bifunctional or multifunctional thiol- containing compounds (e.g., substituted mercaptans) has been demonstrated to give the corresponding chain-end functionalized polyolefin containing a thioether linkage.

X = trialkoxysilane, carboxylic acid,

amine,

R - H, CH ₃ , C2H5, C3H7, C4H9 ....

VTM functionalzied polyolefin wih thioether linkage

(predominantly anti-Markovnikov addition) x = 1 , 2, 3... etc. ; y= 1 , 2, 3... etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] Figure 1 is a ¾ NMR spectrum (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) of the reaction product of Example 1.

[0014] Figure 2 is a ^l R NMR spectrum (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) of the reaction product of Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] This invention relates to a polyolefin composition comprising one or more of the following formulae:

S R-i X

PO— S Ri X _(I ) _or PO CH CH _{3 (n)} wherein the PO is the residual portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) having had a terminal unsaturated carbon of an allylic chain and a vinyl carbon adjacent to the terminal unsaturated carbon;

X is one of a trialkoxysilane, carboxylic acid, carboxylic ester, carboxylic acid salt, carboxamide, carbonate, carbamate, phosphonic acid, phosphonic ester, phosphonic acid salt, sulfonic acid, sulfonic ester, sulfonic acid salt, nitrile, hydroxyl, an amino (primary, secondary, or tertiary, e.g., quaternized), an alkyl ether, an aryl ether, a thioether, an arylthioether, boronic acid, boronic ester, boronic acid salt, or halogen; and

R is an aryl, heteroaryl, heteroalkyl, or alkyl group, preferably from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, where the heteroatom of the heteroaryl or heteroalkyl is preferably F, O, N. Preferably, R is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, undecyl and if R is a heteroalkyl (such as a fluoro-alkyl), it is preferred that the heteroatom(s) are not in the alpha or beta positions. Definitions not in this specification are as set forth in "Hydrothiolation of Vinyl- Terminated Macromonomers with Thiol-Containing Compounds", U.S. S.N. , filed on the same day as the present application.

[0016] Preferably, this invention relates to a functionalized polyolefin composition comprising one or more of the following formulae:

wherein the PO is the residual portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) having had a terminal unsaturated carbon of an allylic chain and a vinyl carbon adjacent to the terminal unsaturated carbon;

R ₁ is an aryl or alkyl group;

each i, L ₂ , and L ₃ is, independently, a bond, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an alkyl group containing ether functionality;

each Xi, X ₂ , and X3 is, independently, is one of a trialkoxysilane, carboxylic acid, carboxylic ester, carboxylic acid salt, carboxamide, carbonate, carbamate, phosphonic acid, phosphonic ester, phosphonic acid salt, sulfonic acid, sulfonic ester, sulfonic acid salt, nitrile, hydroxyl, an amino (primary, secondary, or tertiary, e.g., quaternized), an alkyl ether, an aryl ether, a thioether, an arylthioether, boronic acid, boronic ester, boronic acid salt, or halogen;

n is 0 to 10;

m is 0 to 10;

0 is 0 to 10, provided each of the X _{1 ;} X ₂ , and X3 replaces a hydrogen atom of I , L ₂ , and L ₃ except when L is a bond;

when n, m, or 0 are 0, then the respective I , L ₂ , and/or L3 is not present; and

at least one of n, m, or 0 is at least 1.

[0017] Preferably, the ratio of (I) to (II) is 8: 1 or greater, preferably 9: 1 or greater.

[0018] Preferably R is -CH ₂ -, each _h L ₂ , and L ₃ is -CH-CH ₂ -, each X _{l s} X ₂ , and X ₃ is a hydroxyl and n, m, and 0 are each 1, preferably R is -CH-, each L _{1 ;} L ₂ , and L ₃ is a bond, each X _j , X ₂ , and X ₃ is a carboxylic acid and n, m, and 0 are each 1.

[0019] Efficient, versatile functionalization of vinyl-terminated macromonomers by hydrothiolation (also known as thiol-ene chemistry) of terminal C=C bond in polyolefins produce functionalized polyolefins that are useful for many applications.

X = trialkoxysilane, carboxylic acid,

ester, nit diol, amine,

halo en etc. thermal or photoinitiator

R— H, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, C4H9 .

VTM functionalzied polyolefin wih thioether linkage

(predominantly anti-Markovnikov addition) where X is as defined above, preferably alkoxy silane, carboxylic acid, ester, nitrile, alcohol, dialcohol, halogen, amine); R is H or is an alkyl, preferably a Q to C ₁₂ , preferably methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl; R is an aryl or alkyl group, preferably having 1 to 40 carbon atoms; n = 1 to 100; x = 1 to 2000; y= 0 to 2000.

[0020] This invention also relates to a method to functionalize a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) comprising the step:

contacting a VTM with a compound having the formula:

wherein

Rl is an aryl or alkyl group;

each L , L ₂ , and L ₃ is, independently, a bond, an alkyl group, an aryl group or an alkyl group containing ether functionality;

each Xi, X ₂ , and X3 is, independently, one of a trialkoxysilane, carboxylic acid, carboxylic ester, carboxylic acid salt, carboxamide, carbonate, carbamate, phosphonic acid, phosphonic ester, phosphonic acid salt, sulfonic acid, sulfonic ester, sulfonic acid salt, nitrile, hydroxyl, an amino (primary, secondary, or tertiary, e.g., quaternized), an alkyl ether, an aryl ether, a thioether, an arylthioether, boronic acid, boronic ester, boronic acid salt, or halogen;

n is 0 to 10;

m is 0 to 10;

0 is 0 to 10, provided each of the X _{1 ;} X ₂ , and X3 replaces a hydrogen atom of I , L ₂ , and L ₃ except when L is a bond;

when n, m, or 0 are 0, then the respective I , L ₂ , and/or L ₃ is not present; and

at least one of n, m, or 0 is at least 1 with heat, a photoinitiator and/or ultraviolet light to provide:

wherein the PO is the residual portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) having had a terminal unsaturated carbon of an allylic chain and a vinyl carbon adjacent to the terminal unsaturated carbon.

[0021] The introduced functional groups (X) at the polyolefin chain end can be used as surface-active coupling agents (e.g., trialkoxysilane, phosphonated phosphonic acid, carboxylic acid, or amine) as intermediates for preparation of additives (e.g., viscosity modifiers, dispersants, detergents, corrosion inhibitors, pigments, adhesion promoters, polymer processing aids, etc.), as well as for adhesion promotion in hot melt and cross- linkable adhesives and sealants, tie molecules for coextruded films, and compatibilizers for blends and (nano)composites.

[0022] In the instant invention, the addition of a thiol group across the terminal double bond of VTMs was accomplished under both thermal conditions, where an azo compound initiator was present, and under photochemical conditions, where a photoinitiator was employed, respectively.

[0023] Examples of useful azo compounds are 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile (AIBN) or derivatives (e.g., l, l '-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile), 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid), and examples of useful photoinitiators are benzophenone and 2,2'-dimethoxy-2- phenylacetophenone. The mechanism of the addition reaction is predominately based on the addition of a thiyl radical (generated by the abstraction of the thiol hydrogen by the action of the thermally or photochemically produced radical species) across the terminal double bond to generate a secondary alkyl radical. Subsequent abstraction of another thiol hydrogen by the said secondary alkyl radical furnishes the thioether whereby the chain reaction is propagated. The termination step can be any side reaction that destroys radical species (e.g., radical-radical recombination). The regioselectivity of this addition gives rise to thioether following, generally, an anti-Markovnikov fashion. [0024] The wide commercial availability of functional thiol-containing compounds makes this functionalization methodology attractive for a number of reasons. The reaction is clean and quantitative in terms of both reaction partners, requiring short reaction times, minimal amount of solvent (if needed at all to control viscosity), mild reaction conditions (25°C or below), and is tolerant of oxygen and moisture. The reaction is efficient as well, with very little waste. Many initiators for the generation of thiyl radical are commercially available on an industrial scale.

Non-exhaustive examples of additional thiol compounds that may be used

Vinyl Terminated Macromonomers

[0026] A "vinyl terminated macromonomer," as used herein, refers to one or more of compounds as first described in US 2009/0318644, and also in US 8,399,724, which may have the following characteristics:

(i) a vinyl terminated polymer having at least 5% allyl chain ends (preferably 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99%);

(ii) a vinyl terminated polymer having an Mn of at least 160, g/mol, preferably at least 200 g/mol (measured by ^l R NMR) comprising of one or more C ₄ to C ₄ Q higher olefin derived units, where the higher olefin polymer comprises substantially no propylene derived units; and wherein the higher olefin polymer has at least 5% allyl chain ends;

(iii) a copolymer having an Mn of 300 g/mol or more (measured by !fi NMR) comprising (a) from 20 mol% to 99.9 mol% of at least one C5 to C ₄ Q higher olefin, and (b) from 0.1 mol% to 80 mol% of propylene, wherein the higher olefin copolymer has at least 40% allyl chain ends;

(iv) a copolymer having an Mn of 300 g/mol or more (measured by !fi NMR), and comprises (a) from 80 mol% to 99.9 mol% of at least one C ₄ olefin, (b) from 0.1 mol% to 20 mol% of propylene; and wherein the vinyl terminated macromonomer has at least 40% allyl chain ends relative to total unsaturation;

(v) a co-oligomer having an Mn of 300 g/mol to 30,000 g/mol (measured by NMR) comprising 10 mol% to 90 mol% propylene and 10 mol% to 90 mol% of ethylene, wherein the oligomer has at least X% allyl chain ends (relative to total unsaturations), where: 1) X = (-0.94*(mol% ethylene incorporated) + 100), when 10 mol% to 60 mol% ethylene is present in the co-oligomer, 2) X = 45, when greater than 60 mol% and less than 70 mol% ethylene is present in the co-oligomer, and 3) X = (1.83* (mol% ethylene incorporated) -83), when 70 mol% to 90 mol% ethylene is present in the co-oligomer;

(vi) a propylene oligomer, comprising more than 90 mol% propylene and less than 10 mol% ethylene wherein the oligomer has: at least 93% allyl chain ends, a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 500 g/mol to 20,000 g/mol, an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.8: 1 to 1.35: 1.0, less than 100 ppm aluminum, and/or less than 250 regio defects per 10,000 monomer units;

(vii) a propylene oligomer, comprising: at least 50 mol% propylene and from 10 mol% to 50 mol% ethylene, wherein the oligomer has: at least 90% allyl chain ends, an Mn of 150 g/mol to 20,000 g/mol, preferably 10,000 g/mol, and an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.8: 1 to 1.2: 1.0, wherein monomers having four or more carbon atoms are present at from 0 mol% to 3 mol%;

(viii) a propylene oligomer, comprising: at least 50 mol% propylene, from 0.1 mol% to 45 mol% ethylene, and from 0.1 mol% to 5 mol% C ₄ to olefin, wherein the oligomer has: at least 90% allyl chain ends, an Mn of 150 g/mol to 10,000 g/mol, and an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.8: 1 to 1.35: 1.0; (ix) a propylene oligomer, comprising: at least 50 mol% propylene, from 0.1 mol% to 45 mol% ethylene, and from 0.1 mol% to 5 mol% diene, wherein the oligomer has: at least 90% allyl chain ends, an Mn of 150 g/mol to 10,000 g/mol, and an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.7: 1 to 1.35: 1.0;

(x) a homo-oligomer, comprising propylene, wherein the oligomer has: at least 93% allyl chain ends, an Mn of 500 g/mol to 70,000 g/mol, alternately to 20,000 g/mol, an isobutyl chain end to allylic vinyl group ratio of 0.8: 1 to 1.2: 1.0, and less than 1400 ppm aluminum;

(xi) vinyl terminated polyethylene having: (a) at least 60% allyl chain ends; (b) a molecular weight distribution of less than or equal to 4.0; (c) a g'(vis) of greater than 0.95; and (d) an Mn (iHNMR) of at least 20,000 g/mol; and

(xii) vinyl terminated polyethylene having: (a) at least 50% allyl chain ends; (b) a molecular weight distribution of less than or equal to 4.0; (c) a g'(vis) of 0.95 or less; (d) an Mn (!HNMR) of at least 7,000 g/mol; and (e) a Mn (GPC)/Mn (iHNMR) in the range of from 0.8 to 1.2.

[0027] It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that when the VTM's, as described here, are reacted with another material the "vinyl" (e.g. the allyl chain end) is involved in the reaction and has been transformed. Thus, the language used herein describing that a fragment of the final product (typically referred to as PO in the formulae herein) is the residual portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM) having had a terminal unsaturated carbon of an allylic chain and a vinyl carbon adjacent to the terminal unsaturated carbon, is meant to refer to the fact that the VTM has been incorporated in the product. Similarly stating that a product or material comprises a VTM means that the reacted form of the VTM is present, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise (such as a mixture of ingredients that do not have a catalytic agent present.)

[0028] Preferably, the vinyl terminated macromonomer has an Mn of at least 200 g/mol, (e.g., 200 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol, e.g., 200 g/mol to 75,000 g/mol, e.g., 200 g/mol to 60,000 g/mol, e.g., 300 g/mol to 60,000 g/mol, or e.g., 750 g/mol to 30,000 g/mol) (measured by ^l R NMR) and comprises one or more (e.g., two or more, three or more, four or more, and the like) C ₄ to C ₄ o (e.g., C ₄ to C30, C ₄ to C20, or C ₄ to C^, e.g., butene, pentene, hexene, heptene, octene, nonene, decene, undecene, dodecene, norbornene, norbornadiene, dicyclopentadiene, cyclopentene, cycloheptene, cyclooctene, cyclooctadiene, cyclododecene, 7-oxanorbornene, 7-oxanorbornadiene, substituted derivatives thereof, and isomers thereof) olefin derived units, where the vinyl terminated macromonomer comprises substantially no propylene derived units (e.g., less than 0.1 wt% propylene, e.g., 0 wt%); and wherein the vinyl terminated macromonomer has at least 5% (at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%; at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95%) allyl chain ends (relative to total unsaturation); and optionally, an allyl chain end to vinylidene chain end ratio of 1 : 1 or greater (e.g., greater than 2: 1, greater than 2.5: 1, greater than 3 : 1, greater than 5: 1, or greater than 10: 1); and even further optionally, e.g., substantially no isobutyl chain ends (e.g., less than 0.1 wt% isobutyl chain ends). Preferably, the vinyl terminated macromonomers may also comprise ethylene derived units, e.g., at least 5 mol% ethylene (e.g., at least 15 mol% ethylene, e.g., at least 25 mol% ethylene, e.g., at least 35 mol% ethylene, e.g., at least 45 mol% ethylene, e.g., at least 60 mol% ethylene, e.g., at least 75 mol% ethylene, or e.g., at least 90 mol% ethylene). Such vinyl terminated macromonomers are further described in USSN 13/072,288.

[0029] Preferably, the vinyl terminated macromonomer described herein may have a glass transition temperature of less than 0°C or less (DSC), preferably -10°C or less, more preferably -20°C or less, more preferably -30°C or less, more preferably -50°C or less.

[0030] Melting temperature (T _m ) and glass transition temperature (Tg) are measured using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) using commercially available equipment such as a TA Instruments 2920 DSC. Typically, 3 to 10 mg of the sample, that has been stored at 25 °C for at least 48 hours, is sealed in an aluminum pan and loaded into the instrument at 25°C. The sample is equilibrated at 25°C, then it is cooled at a cooling rate of 10°C/min to - 80°C. The sample is held at -80°C for 5 min and then heated at a heating rate of 10°C/min to 25°C. The glass transition temperature is measured from the heating cycle. Alternatively, the sample is equilibrated at 25°C, then heated at a heating rate of 10°C/min to 150°C. The endothermic melting transition, if present, is analyzed for onset of transition and peak temperature. The melting temperatures reported are the peak melting temperatures from the first heat unless otherwise specified. For samples displaying multiple peaks, the melting point (or melting temperature) is defined to be the peak melting temperature (i.e., associated with the largest endothermic calorimetric response in that range of temperatures) from the DSC melting trace.

Process to Functionalize Polyolefins

[0031] This invention relates to a process to functionalize VTM's comprising contacting, optionally, a thermal, radical initiator, photochemical, or photoinitiation catalyst, and one or more vinyl terminated macromonomers in the presence of a hydrothiolation reagent.

[0032] The reactants are typically combined in a reaction vessel at a temperature of - 50°C to 300°C (preferably 25°C, preferably 150°C). Likewise, the reactants are typically combined at a pressure of 0 to 1000 MPa (preferably 0.5 to 500 MPa, preferably 1 to 250 MPa) for a residence time of 0.5 seconds to 10 hours (preferably 1 second to 5 hours, preferably 1 minute to 1 hour).

[0033] Typically, from 1 : 1 to 2: 1 moles of hydrothiolating reagent are charged to the reactor per mole of VTM charged based on mole ratio.

[0034] Typically, 0.001 mol% to 50 mol%, preferably 0.01 mol% to 10 mol%, preferably 0.1 mol% to 1 mol% of catalyst (if present, i.e., if performed with UV light, a catalyst is generally used but is not always necessary) are charged to the reactor per mole of VTM charged.

[0035] The process is typically a solution process, although it may be a bulk or high pressure process. Homogeneous processes are preferred. (A homogeneous process is defined to be a process where at least 90 wt% of the product is soluble in the reaction media.) A bulk homogeneous process is particularly preferred. (A bulk process is defined to be a process where reactant concentration in all feeds to the reactor is 70 vol% or more.) Alternately, no solvent or diluent is present or added in the reaction medium, (except for the small amounts used as the carrier for the catalyst or other additives, or amounts typically found with the reactants, e.g., propane in propylene).

[0036] Suitable diluents/solvents for the process include non-coordinating, inert liquids. Examples include straight and branched-chain hydrocarbons such as isobutane, butane, pentane, isopentane, hexanes, isohexane, heptane, octane, dodecane, and mixtures thereof; cyclic and alicyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, cycloheptane, methylcyclohexane, methylcycloheptane, and mixtures thereof such as can be found commercially (IsoparTM); perhalogenated hydrocarbons such as perfluorinated C4 0 alkanes, chlorobenzene, and aromatic and alkylsubstituted aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene, mesitylene, and xylene. Preferably, the feed concentration for the process is 60 vol% solvent or less, preferably 40 vol% or less, preferably 20 vol% or less.

[0037] The process may be batch, semi-batch or continuous. As used herein, the term continuous means a system that operates without interruption or cessation. For example, a continuous process to produce a polymer would be one where the reactants are continually introduced into one or more reactors and polymer product is continually withdrawn.

[0038] Useful reaction vessels include reactors, including continuous stirred tank reactors, batch reactors, reactive extruder, tubular reactor, pipe, or pump.

[0039] This invention further relates to a process, preferably an in-line process, preferably a continuous process, to produce functionalized polyolefins, comprising introducing macromonomer, hydrothiolating reagent, and a catalyst into a reactor, obtaining a reactor effluent containing hydrothiol terminated polyolefin, optionally removing (such as flashing off) solvent, unused monomer, and/or other volatiles, obtaining hydrothiol terminated polyolefin (such as those described herein), preferably this invention relates to an in-line process, preferably a continuous process, to produce functionalized polyolefins, comprising introducing vinyl terminated polyolefin, catalyst (as described herein) and a hydrothiolating compound (as described herein) into a reaction zone (such as a reactor, an extruder, a pipe, and/or a pump) and obtaining functionalized polyolefin (such as those described herein).

Hydrothiolating Agents

[0040] Hydrothiolating agents are those that include an "SH" terminated portion and, preferably, a second functional group, such as a trialkoxysilane, carboxylic cid, carboxylic ester, nitrile, alcohol (hydroxyl), diol, polyol, amine, polyamine, halogen, etc., as described above. A general structure can be note

wherein X is a functional group as described above and n is an integer from 1 to 100, more particularly 2 to 50, more particularly 2 to 20, more particularly from 2 to 10, even more particularly from 2 to 5.

Catalysts

[0041] Thermal and photochemical initiators are known by those having ordinary skill in the art and are included herein. Typical thermal initiators are typically azo or peroxide compounds. Examples of useful azo compounds are AIBN or derivatives, such as bis(cyclohexyl) peroxydicarbonate, bis(isobutylcyclohexyl) peroxydicarbonate, or bis(4-tert- butylcyclohexyl) peroxydicarbonate.

[0042] Photoinitiators generally contain a carbonyl situated between two aromatic rings or at least one aromatic ring and an alkyl group. Examples of useful photoinitiators are benzophenone and 2,2'-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone.

Different Classes of Photoinitiators Useful Herein:

[0043] UV-Photoinitiators (Type I Photoinitiators and Type II Photoinitiators) and Visible Photoinitiators:

Type I Photoinitiators: Benzoin ethers, benzyl ketals, a-dialkoxy-acetophenones, a-hydroxy- alkylphenones, acylphosphine oxides;

Type II Photoinitiators: benzophenones/amines, thioxanthones/amines; and

Visible Photoinitiators: titanocenes.

[0044] Non-limiting examples include: acetophenone, anisoin, anthraquinone, anthraquinone-2-sulfonic acid, sodium salt monohydrate, (Benzene) tricarbonylchromium, benzil, benzoin, benzoin ethyl ether, benzoin isobutyl ether, benzoin methyl ether, benzophenone, benzophenone/ 1 -hydroxy cyclohexyl phenyl ketone blend, 3, 3 ',4,4'- benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 4-benzoylbiphenyl, 2-benzyl-2-(dimethylamino)- 4'-morpholinobutyrophenone, 4,4'-bis(diethylamino)benzophenone, 4,4'- bis(dimethylamino)benzophenone, camphorquinone, 2-chlorothioxanthen-9-one,

(cumene)cyclopentadienyliron(II) hexafluorophosphate, dibenzosuberenone, 2,2- diethoxyacetophenone, 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone, 4-(dimethylamino)benzophenone, 4,4'- dimethylbenzil, 2,5-dimethylbenzophenone, 3,4-dimethylbenzophenone, diphenyl(2,4,6- trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide, 4'-ethoxyacetophenone, 2-ethylanthraquinone, 3'- hydroxyacetophenone, 4'-hydroxyacetophenone, 3-hydroxybenzophenone, 4- hydroxybenzophenone, 1 -hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, 2-hydroxy-2- methylpropiophenone, 2-methylbenzophenone, 3-methylbenzophenone, methybenzoylformate, 2-methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone, phenanthrenequinone, 4'-phenoxyacetophenone, thioxanthen-9-one, triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate salts, and prtriarylsulfonium hexafluorophosphate salts.

[0045] Alternatively, a light source, such as an ultraviolet (UV) light source can be used to effect the reaction.

Irradiation source: Ultraviolet light of a broad range of wavelength from UV lamps can be utilized. High pressure mercury lamp with suitable interference filter (for example, but not limited to, = 365 nm) or sunlamp, etc., are suitable sources of energy. As an illustration, the particular light source used in the hydrothiolation examples is a portable compact ultraviolet lamp available from UVP (model UVGL-25, 4-Watt power, dual wavelength 254/365 nm) with an intensity of 0.7 mW/cm ² at a distance of 7.6 cm, any other commercial UV light source may be used. Alternatively, UV lamp sources that are commonly used in photo-curing may be used.

Blends of Functionalized Polyolefins

[0046] Preferably, the functionalized (and optionally further derivitized) polyolefins produced by this invention may be blended with from 0.5 wt% to 99 wt% (typically 1.0 wt% to 98 wt%, and ideally 50 wt% to 98 wt%) of one or more other polymers, including, but not limited to, thermoplastic polymer(s) and/or elastomer(s).

[0047] By thermoplastic polymer(s) is meant a polymer that can be melted by heat and then cooled without appreciable change in properties. Thermoplastic polymers typically include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, polysulfones, polyacetals, polylactones, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, styrene-acrylonitrile resins, styrene maleic anhydride, polyimides, aromatic polyketones, or mixtures of two or more of the above. Preferred polyolefins include, but are not limited to, polymers comprising one or more linear, branched or cyclic C2 to C40 olefins, preferably polymers comprising propylene copolymerized with one or more C3 to C40 olefins, preferably a C3 to C20 alpha-olefin, more preferably C3 to C IQ alpha-olefins. More preferred polyolefins include, but are not limited to, polymers comprising ethylene including but not limited to ethylene copolymerized with a C3 to C40 olefin, preferably a C3 to C20 alpha-olefin, more preferably propylene and/or butene.

[0048] By elastomers is meant all natural and synthetic rubbers, including those defined in ASTM D1566. Examples of preferred elastomers include, but are not limited to, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubbers (including SI, SIS, SB, SBS, SIBS, and the like, where S=styrene, I=isobutylene, and B=butadiene), butyl rubber, halobutyl rubber, copolymers of isobutylene and para- alkylstyrene, halogenated copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, natural rubber, polyisoprene, copolymers of butadiene with acrylonitrile, polychloroprene, alkyl acrylate rubber, chlorinated isoprene rubber, acrylonitrile chlorinated isoprene rubber, and polybutadiene rubber (both cis and trans).

[0049] Preferably, the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefins produced herein may further be combined with one or more of polybutene, ethylene vinyl acetate, low density polyethylene (density 0.915 to less than 0.935 g/cm ³ ) linear low density polyethylene, ultra low density polyethylene (density 0.86 to less than 0.90 g/cm ³ ), very low density polyethylene (density 0.90 to less than 0.915 g/cm ³ ), medium density polyethylene (density 0.935 to less than 0.945 g/cm ³ ), high density polyethylene (density 0.945 to 0.98 g/cm ³ ), ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methyl acrylate, copolymers of acrylic acid, polymethylmethacrylate or any other polymers polymerizable by a high-pressure free radical process, polyvinylchloride, polybutene-1, isotactic polybutene, ABS resins, ethylene- propylene rubber (EPR), vulcanized EPR, EPDM, block copolymer, styrenic block copolymers, polyamides, polycarbonates, PET resins, crosslinked polyethylene, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polymers of aromatic monomers such as polystyrene, poly-1 esters, polyacetal, polyvinylidine fluoride, polyethylene glycols, and/or polyisobutylene. Preferred polymers include those available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company in Baytown, Texas under the tradenames EXCEED™ and EXACT™.

[0050] Tackifiers may be blended with the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefins produced herein and/or with blends of the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefins produced by this inventions (as described above). Examples of useful tackifiers include, but are not limited to, aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, polycyclopentadiene resins, gum rosins, gum rosin esters, wood rosins, wood rosin esters, tall oil rosins, tall oil rosin esters, polyterpenes, aromatic modified polyterpenes, terpene phenolics, aromatic modified hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene resins, hydrogenated aliphatic resin, hydrogenated aliphatic aromatic resins, hydrogenated terpenes and modified terpenes, and hydrogenated rosin esters. Preferably, the tackifier is hydrogenated. Preferably, the tackifier has a softening point (Ring and Ball, as measured by ASTM E-28) of 80°C to 140°C, preferably 100°C to 130°C. The tackifier, if present, is typically present at 1 wt% to 50 wt%, based upon the weight of the blend, more preferably 10 wt% to 40 wt%, even more preferably 20 wt% to 40 wt%.

[0051] Preferably, the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefins of this invention, and/or blends thereof, further comprise typical additives known in the art such as fillers, cavitating agents, antioxidants, surfactants, adjuvants, plasticizers, block, antiblock, color masterbatches, pigments, dyes, processing aids, UV stabilizers, neutralizers, lubricants, waxes, and/or nucleating agents. The additives may be present in the typically effective amounts well known in the art, such as 0.001 wt% to 10 wt%. Preferred fillers, cavitating agents and/or nucleating agents include titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, silica, silicon dioxide, carbon black, sand, glass beads, mineral aggregates, talc, clay, and the like. Preferred antioxidants include phenolic antioxidants, such as Irganox 1010, Irganox, 1076 both available from Ciba-Geigy. Preferred oils include paraffinic or naphthenic oils such as Primol 352 or Primol 876 available from ExxonMobil Chemical France, S.A. in Paris, France. More preferred oils include aliphatic naphthenic oils, white oils, or the like.

[0052] Preferably, the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefins produced herein are combined with polymers (elastomeric and/or thermoplastic) having functional groups such as unsaturated molecules-vinyl bonds, ketones, or aldehydes under conditions such that they react. Reaction may be confirmed by an at least 20% (preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 100%) increase in Mw as compared to the Mw of the functionalized polyolefin prior to reaction. Such reaction conditions may be increased heat (for example, above the Tm of the functionalized polyolefin), increased shear (such as from a reactive extruder), and presence or absence of solvent. Conditions useful for reaction include temperatures from 150°C to 240°C and where the components can be added to a stream comprising polymer and other species via a side arm extruder, gravimetric feeder, or liquids pump. Useful polymers having functional groups that can be reacted with the functionalized polyolefins produced herein include polyesters, polyvinyl acetates, nylons (polyamides), polybutadiene, nitrile rubber, and hydroxylated nitrile rubber. Preferably, the functionalized (and optionally derivitized) polyolefin of this invention may be blended with up to 99 wt% (preferably up to 25 wt%, preferably up to 20 wt%, preferably up to 15 wt%, preferably up to 10 wt%, preferably up to 5 wt%), based upon the weight of the composition, of one or more additional polymers. Suitable polymers include those described as PM1) to PM 7) in U.S. Patent No. 8,003,725.

Applications

[0053] The functionalized VTMs of this invention (and blends thereof, as described above) may be used in any known thermoplastic or elastomer application. Examples include uses in molded parts, films, tapes, sheets, tubing, hose, sheeting, wire and cable coating, adhesives, shoe soles, bumpers, gaskets, bellows, films, fibers, elastic fibers, nonwovens, spun bonds, corrosion protection coatings, and sealants. Preferred uses include additives for lubricants and/or fuels. [0054] Desirably, the introduced functional groups (X) at the polyolefin chain end can be used as surface-active coupling agents (e.g., trialkoxysilane, phosphonated phosphonic acid, carboxylic acid, or amine) as intermediates for preparation of additives (e.g., viscosity modifiers, dispersants, detergents, corrosion inhibitors, pigments, adhesion promoters, polymer processing aids, etc.), as well as for adhesion promotion in hot melt and cross- linkable adhesives and sealants, tie molecules for coextruded films, and compatibilizers for blends and (nano)composites.

[0055] Preferably, the functionalized vinyl terminated macromonomers produced herein are further functionalized (derivativized), such as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,022,929; A. Toyota, T. Tsutsui, and N. Kashiwa, Polymer Bulletin 48, pp. 213-219, 2002; J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1990, 1 12, pp. 7433-7434; and USSN 12/487,739 filed on June 19, 2009 (Published as WO 2009/155472).

[0056] The functionalized vinyl terminated materials prepared herein may be used in oil additivation, lubricants, fuels, and many other applications. Preferred uses include additives for lubricants and/or fuels.

[0057] Preferably, the vinyl terminated macromonomers disclosed herein, or functionalized/derivitized analogs thereof, are useful as additives, preferably in a lubricant.

[0058] The functionalized VTM's and/or derivitized VTM's produced herein have uses as lubricating additives which can act as dispersants, viscosity index improvers, or multifunctional viscosity index improvers. Additionally they may be used as disinfectants (functionalized amines) and or wetting agents.

[0059] Functionalized VTMs and/or derivitized VTMs having uses as dispersants typically have Mn's g/mol of less than 20,000, preferably less than 10,000 and most preferably less than 8,000 and typically can range from 500 to 10,000 (e.g., 500 to 5,000), preferably from 1,000 to 8, 000 (e.g., 1,000 to 5,000) and most preferably from 1,500 to 6,000 (e.g., 1,500 to 3,000).

[0060] The functionalized VTMs and/or derivitized VTMs described herein having Mn's (g/mol) of greater than 10,000 g/mol, preferably greater than 10,000 to 100,000 g/mol (preferably 20,000 to 60,000g/mol) are useful for viscosity index improvers for lubricating oil compositions, adhesive additives, antifogging and wetting agents, ink and paint adhesion promoters, coatings, tackifiers and sealants, and the like. In addition, such VTMs may be functionalized and derivitized to make multifunctional viscosity index improvers which also possess dispersant properties. (For more information please see U.S. Patent No. 6,022,929.)

[0061] The functionalized VTMs and/or derivitized VTMs described herein may be combined with other additives (such as viscosity index improvers, corrosion inhibitor, oxidation inhibitor, dispersant, lube oil flow improver, detergents, demulsifiers, rust inhibitors, pour point depressant, anti-foaming agents, antiwear agents, seal swellant, friction modifiers, and the like (described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 6,022,929 at columns 60, line 42-column 78, line 54 and the references cited therein) to form compositions for many applications, including but not limited to lube oil additive packages, lube oils, and the like.

[0062] Compositions containing these additives are typically are blended into a base oil in amounts which are effective to provide their normal attendant function. Representative effective amounts of such additives are illustrated as follows:

Compositions (Typical) (Preferred)

wt %* wt %*

V.I. Improver 1-12 1-4

Corrosion Inhibitor 0.01-3 0.01-1.5

Oxidation Inhibitor 0.01-5 0.01-1.5

Dispersant 0.1-10 0.1-5

Lube Oil Flow Improver 0.01-2 0.01-1.5

Detergents and Rust inhibitors 0.01-6 0.01-3

Pour Point Depressant 0.01-1.5 0.01-1.5

Anti-Foaming Agents 0.001-0.1 0.001-0.01

Antiwear Agents 0.001-5 0.001-1.5

Seal Swellant 0.1-8 0.1-4

Friction Modifiers 0.01-3 0.01-1.5

Lubricating Base Oil Balance Balance

* Wt%'s are based on active ingredient content of the additive, and/or upon the total weight of any additive- package, or formulation which will be the sum of the A.I. weight of each additive plus the weight of total oil or diluent.

[0063] When other additives are employed, it may be desirable, although not necessary, to prepare additive concentrates comprising concentrated solutions or dispersions of the subject additives of this invention (in concentrate amounts hereinabove described), together with one or more of said other additives (said concentrate when constituting an additive mixture being referred to herein as an additive-package) whereby several additives can be added simultaneously to the base oil to form the lubricating oil composition. Dissolution of the additive concentrate into the lubricating oil may be facilitated by solvents and by mixing accompanied with mild heating, but this is not essential. The subject functionalized or derivitized VTMs of the present invention can be added to small amounts of base oil or other compatible solvents along with other desirable additives to form additive-packages containing active ingredients in collective amounts of typically from 2.5% to 90%, and preferably from 15% to 75%, and most preferably from 25% to 60% by weight additives in the appropriate proportions with the remainder being base oil.

[0064] The final formulations may employ typically 10 wt% of the additive-package with the remainder being base oil.

[0065] Preferably, the vinyl terminated polyolefins described herein can be used in any process, blend, or product disclosed in WO 2009/155472 or U.S. Patent No. 6,022,929.

[0066] Preferably, this invention relates to a fuel comprising any VTM produced herein. Preferably, this invention relates to a lubricant comprising any VTM produced herein.

EXPERIMENTAL

Product Characterization

[0067] Products were characterized by ^l R NMR and ¹³ C NMR as follows:

H NMR

[0068] Unless otherwise stated, ^l K NMR data was collected at either 25°C or 120°C (for purposes of the claims, 120°C shall be used) in a 5 mm probe using a spectrometer with a Ή frequency of at least 400 MHz. Data was recorded using a maximum pulse width of 45° and either a 1 or 2 second delay between pulses. Typical NMR solvents such as CDCI3, CD ₂ Cl2, or C^D ₆ were purchased from Cambridge Isotope Laboratories or SigmaAldrich and were used at ambient temperatures in collection of the NMR data.

1 ³ C NMR

[0069] Unless otherwise stated, ¹³ C NMR data was collected at 120°C using a spectrometer with a ¹³ C frequency of at least 100 MHz. A 90 degree pulse, an acquisition time adjusted to give a digital resolution between 0.1 and 0.12 Hz, at least a 2 second pulse acquisition delay time with continuous broadband proton decoupling using swept square wave modulation without gating was employed during the entire acquisition period. The spectra were acquired with time averaging to provide a signal to noise level adequate to measure the signals of interest. Samples were dissolved in tetrachloroethane-d2 (TCE) for high temperature measurements. Other solvents such as CDCI3, CD ₂ Cl2, or C^D ₆ were used at ambient temperatures.

[0070] All molecular weights are g/mol unless otherwise noted.

[0071] Weight-average molecular weight (Mw (GPC)), molecular weight distribution (MWD), Mw (GPC)/Mn (GPC) where Mn (GPC) is the number-average molecular weight are characterized using a Size Exclusion Chromatograph (SEC), equipped with a differential refractive index detector (DRI). Tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent is used for the SEC experiment. The THF was then degassed with an inline degasser. Sample solutions were prepared by placing the sample in a 10 ml glass vial with solvent resistant cap, adding the desired amount of THF, then agitation for 1 hr. All quantities were measured gravimetrically. The injection concentration is 6 mg/mL. Prior to running a sample set, the DRI detector and the injector were purged. Flow rate in the apparatus was then increased to 1.0 mL/min, and the DRI was allowed to stabilize for 1 hr. The instrument conditions are listed in Table 1. The samples are analyzed using a poly iso-butylene calibration.

[0072] The molecular weight averages were defined by considering the discontinuous nature of the distribution in which the macromolecules exist in discrete fractions i containing N _j molecules of molecular weight M _j . The weight-average molecular weight, M _w , was defined as the sum of the products of the molecular weight M _j of each fraction multiplied by its weight fraction w;:

M _w ≡∑ _Wi Mi = (∑ iMi2/∑ NiMi)

since the weight fraction w _z - is defined as the weight of molecules of molecular weight M _i divided by the total weight of all the molecules present:

w _i =N _i M _i /∑N _i M _i .

[0073] The number-average molecular weight, M _n , is defined as the sum of the products of the molecular weight M _i of each fraction multiplied by its mole fraction x

M _n ≡∑x _i M _i =∑N _i M _i /∑N _i

since the mole fraction x _z - is defined as N _z - divided by the total number of molecules

x _i = N _i /∑N _i .

GPC Conditions

Flow Rate: 1 ml./min.

DETECTOR A: Waters 486 tunable UV @ 254 nm. λ

B: Waters 2410 Refractive Index

TEMPERATURE Injector: Ambient - 23 °C

Detector: Ambient -23 °C

Column's: Ambient -23 °C

INJECTION VOLUME 100 μΐ

SAMPLE CONCENTRATION 0.6 w/v % (6mg./ml.)

SOLVENT DILUENT THF

Physical Characteristics of Starting Materials

[0074] Vinyl Terminated Macromers used were made as previously disclosed in USSN 13/072,279, filed March 25, 201 1 and/or USSN 13/072,280, filed March 25, 2011.

[0075] Starting Materials

- aPP-VTM (Macromer A), M _n = 1016 by ^l H NMR, Vinyls = 92%, GPC (M _w = 2387, M _n = 1069, M _w /M _n = 2.23)

- aPP-VTM (Macromer B), M _n = 486 by ^l H NMR, Vinyls = 97%, GPC (Af _w = 874, M _n = 499, M M _n = 1.75)

- C ₃ C ₆ -VTM (Macromer C), M _n = 1329 by ¾ NMR, Vinyls = 93%, C ₆ = 36 mol% by 1 ³ C NMR, GPC (Af _w = 3143, M _n = 1488, M _w /M _n = 2.1 1)

- C3C4-VTM (Macromer D), M _n = 20,390 by ^l H NMR, Vinyls = 94%, C ₄ = 46 mol% by ¹³ C NMR, GPC (Af _w = 34564, M _n = 16911, M _w /M _n = 2.04)

- HR-PIB (BASF Glissopal 1000), Vinylidene -80-85%, GPC (Af _w = 1765, M _n = 920, M _w /M _n = 1.92)

Example 1

[0076] Thiol-ene reaction of VTM (aPP macromer A) with 3- mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane under thermal conditions (1)

toluene, 90 °C, 24 hr

[0077] To a solution of vinyl-terminated atactic polypropylene macromer A (M _n 1016 g/mol by ^l R NMR, 3.00 g, 2.95 mmol) in toluene (9 ml) was added a solution of (3- mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (0.610 g, 3.107 mmol) in toluene (3 ml) at 25°C under a nitrogen atmosphere. This was followed by slow addition of 1,1'- azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) (0.1321 g, 0.541 mmol) and additional amount of toluene (3 ml). The resulting mixture was stirred and purged with nitrogen for 15 minutes, then heated in an oil bath at 90°C for 24 hours. The resulting light yellow mixture was cooled to 25°C and excess solvent was removed on a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure to afford a light yellow viscous liquid as crude product (3.47 g). The ^l R NMR spectrum (400 MHz, CDCI3) (Figure 1) shows the complete conversion of vinyl group with formation of a thioether linkage (-CH ₂ -S-CH ₂ -) and trimethyoxysilyl, -Si(OCH ₃ ) ₃ moiety. ^l R NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ (ppm) 3.57 (-S1-O-CH3, s, 9.3 H), 3.49 (s, 1.3 H), 2.71-2.68 (br, 0.3 H), 2.56-2.45 (-CH ₂ -S-CH ₂ , m, 4.0 H), 2.0-1.38 (m, 35.9 H), 1.38-0.92 (m, 50.5 H), 0.92 -0.55 (m, 89.8). Elemental analysis: C, 78.93%; H, 13.44%; S, 2.27%.

Example 2

[0078] Thiol-ene reaction of VTM (aPP macromer B) with 1-thioglycerol under photochemical conditions (2).

hv -365 nm

[0079] A mixture of vinyl-terminated atactic polypropylene macromer B (M _n 486 g/mol by !H NMR, 0.40 g, 0.823 mmol), 1-thioglycerol (0.1336 g, 1.235 mmol), 2,2-dimethoxy-2- phenylacetophenone (0.0042 g, 0.0164 mmol) and benzene (0.4 ml) in a closed glass vial was flushed with nitrogen, stirred and irradiated with a UV lamp (4 W, 365 nm) at 25°C for 30 minutes. The resulting homogeneous colorless solution was diluted with a mixture of hexanes (10 ml) and methylene chloride (2 ml), washed with a mixture of water and brine. The organic layer was separated, dried (Na ₂ S0 ₄ ), filtered and excess solvent was removed on a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure to afford a colorless liquid product (0.46 g). The ^H NMR spectrum (400 MHz, CDCI3) (Figure 2) shows the complete conversion of vinyl group with formation of a thioether linkage (-CH ₂ -S-CH ₂ -) and the 1,2-diol (-C(H)(OH)- CH ₂ (OH)) moiety at chain end. ^l H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ): δ (ppm) 3.82-3.74 (m, 2.1 H), 3.58-3.54 (m, 1.1 H), 2.76-2.66 (m, 1.1 H), 2.66-2.56 (m, 1.1 H), 2.56-2.46 (-CH ₂ CH ₂ -S, m, 2.0 H), 2.22 (s, br, 3.1 H), 1.69-1.45 (m, 14.3 H), 1.44-1.23 (m, 6.1 H), 1.23-0.92 (m, 19.9 H), 0.92-0.57 (m, 47.0 H). Elemental analysis: C, 75.01%; H, 13.23%; S, 5.39%.

Example 3

[0080] Example of thiol-ene reaction of VTM (C3C6 macromer C) with methyl 3- mercaptopropionate under photochemical conditions (3).

[0081] A mixture of vinyl-terminated C ₃ C ₆ macromer C (M _n 1329 g/mol by ^l H NMR, 5.00 g, 3.76 mmol), methyl 3-mercaptopropionate (0.4520 g, 3.76 mmol), 2,2-dimethoxy-2- phenylacetophenone (0.0048 g, 0.0187 mmol) and benzene (2.5 ml) in a closed glass vial was stirred and irradiated with a UV lamp (4 W, 365 nm) at 25°C for 5 minutes. An aliquot was analyzed by NMR, which indicated 90% formation of the thioether linkage (-CH ₂ -S- CH ₂ -). The reaction was continued for an additional 45 minutes with irradiation at 365 nm, at which time additional amount of 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (0.0048 g) was added and irradiation was continued for 15 minutes. An aliquot analyzed by NMR indicated >96% formation of the thioether. Excess solvent was removed on a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure to afford a colorless viscous oil product (5.10 g). ^l R NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ): δ (ppm) 5.82-5.74 (m, 0.04 H), 5.02-4.96 (m, 0.08 H), 4.73-4.65 (m, 0.1 H), 3.73 (s, 0.2 H), 3.71 (s, 0.3 H), 3.70 (s, 9.0 H), 2.80-2.76 (t, J = 8 Hz, 2.2 H), 2.63-2.59 (t, J = 8 Hz, 2.1 H), 2.54-2.49 (-CH ₂ CH ₂ -S, t, J = 8 Hz, 1.9 H), 1.70-1.48 (m, 20.8 H), 1.48-1.34 (m, 10.4 H), 1.34-1.09 (m, 69.2 H), 1.09-0.93 (m, 34.0 H), 0.93-0.87 (m, 34.1 H), 0.87-0.70 (m, 56.0 H). ¹³ C NMR (100 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ): δ (ppm) 172.25 (-C=0, s), 51.58 (-OCH3, s), 47.9-44.9 (m), 44.9-44.1 (s), 44.1-41.5 (m), 40.5-39.4 (m), 37.9-36.3 (m), 34.7-32.9 (m), 32.9-31.9 (m), 30.2-29.6 (m), 29.4-29.1 (m), 29.0-27.9 (m), 27.8-27.2 (m), 27.4 (s), 25.3-25.1 (m), 23.4-23.0 (m), 22.8-22.2 (m), 21.5-19.2 (m), 14.21 (s). Elemental analysis: C, 82.00%; H, 13.88%; S, 2.15%.

Example 4 [0082] Example of thiol-ene reaction of VTM (C3C4 macromer) with 3- mercaptopropionic acid under photochemical conditions.

[0083] A mixture of vinyl-terminated C3C4 macromer D (M _n 20390 g/mol by ^l K NMR, 7.00 g, 0.34 mmol), 3-mercaptopropionic acid (0.0677 g, 0.638 mmol), 2,2-dimethoxy-2- phenylacetophenone (0.00218 g, 0.00851 mmol) and benzene (15 ml) in a closed glass vial was stirred and irradiated with a UV lamp (4 W, 365 nm) at 25°C for 55 minutes. NMR analysis indicated conversion of vinyl group with formation of a thioether linkage (-CH ₂ -S- CH ₂ -). The mixture was diluted with hexanes, washed with water (4 x 50 ml) and brine, dried ( a ₂ S04), filtered and excess solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford a colorless viscous oil product (6.67 g). ¾ NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3): δ (ppm) 5.82-5.72 (m, 0.1 H), 5.03-4.96 (m, 0.6 H), 2.82-2.78 (m, 2.5 H), 2.69-2.65 (m, 2.3 H), 2.54-2.49 (- CH ₂ CH ₂ -S, m, 2.0 H), 2.02-1.47 (m, 409.2 H), 1.47-1.15 (m, 1717.9 H), 1.15-0.93 (m, 1036.5 H), 0.93-0.55 (m, 2543.6 H).

Example 5

[0084] Preparation of a blend of vinyl-terminated atactic polypropylene and vinylidene- terminated polyisobutylene.

[0085] Vinyl -terminated atactic polypropylene of Mn 1000 (Macromer A, M _n 1016 g/mol by ^l R NMR, 15.00 g) was added to Glissopal 1000 (commercially available from BASF, M _n -1000 g/mol, ~80%-85% vinylidene content, 18.33 g) and the resulting mixture was warmed to 40°C-45°C with stirring to achieve complete mixing of the two polymers. NMR analysis of the resulting polymer blend indicated a vinyl-to-vinylidene mol/mol ratio of 100 to 97.5.

Example 6

[0086] Competitive reaction of VTM (aPP) and vinylidene-terminated polyisobutylene toward alkanethiol.

[0087] To a blend of vinyl-terminated atactic polypropylene and Glissopal 1000 (0.713 g) prepared in Example 5 was added 1-dodecanethiol (0.06183 g, 0.305 mmol, 0.45 equivalent with respect to total vinyl and vinylidene unsaturation), 2,2-dimethoxy-2- phenylacetophenone (0.0024 g, 0.00936 mmol) and benzene (0.5 ml) in a closed glass vial. The resulting mixture was stirred and irradiated with a UV lamp (4 W, 365 nm) at 25°C for 6 minutes. NMR analysis indicated conversion of vinyl and vinylidene unsaturations were 84% and 4%, respectively.

Example 7

[0088] Competitive reaction of VTM (aPP) and vinylidene-terminated polyisobutylene toward functionalized thiol.

[0089] To a blend of vinyl-terminated atactic polypropylene and Glissopal 1000 (3.00 g) prepared in Example 5 was added methyl 3-mercaptopropionate (0.1558 g, 1.297 mmol, 0.45 equivalent with respect to total vinyl and vinylidene unsaturation), 2,2-dimethoxy-2- phenylacetophenone (0.00997 g, 0.0389 mmol) and benzene (2 ml) in a closed glass vial. The resulting mixture was stirred and irradiated with a UV lamp (4 W, 365 nm) at 25°C for 3 minutes. NMR analysis indicated conversion of vinyl and vinylidene unsaturations were 80% and < 2%, respectively. The reaction was continued for an additional 5 minutes with irradiation at 365 nm. An aliquot analyzed by NMR indicated conversion of vinyl and vinylidene unsaturation were 87% and < 2%, respectively.

[0090] The competitive experiments (Examples 6 and 7) described above show that the vinyl group has a much higher reactivity toward hydrothiolation as compared to the vinylidene group. This is surprising given the higher stability of a tertiary radical (intermediate formed upon addition of a thiyl radical to the less substituted carbon of the vinylidene double bond) relative to the secondary radical (intermediate formed upon addition of a thiyl radical to the less substituted carbon of the vinyl double bond).