INVESTIGATION OF THE ADDITION OF THIOLS TO POLYBUTADIENES

The free-radical addition of 1-octanediol (RSH) on polybutadienes with different molecular weights and configuration of the C-C double bonds occurs selectively to the 1,2-vinyl and 1,4-cis double bond, while the 1,4-trans double bond remains unchanged. The reactivity order 1,2- > cis > trans is confirmed by the model experiments with the isomers of pentene. The addition is favoured by the formation of an olefin/RSH charge-transfer complex as preinitiation step.