Epoxidation of Alkyllithium Polybutadienes

Abstract

Epoxidations with peracetic acid were effected on a series of alkyllithium and sodium polybutadienes, and the properties of the epoxy resins were compared. The alkyllithium and sodium polybutadienes differed in micro-structure and molecular weight distribution. The alkyllithium polybutadienes were more readily epoxidized, and epoxidation resulted in dramatically lower viscosity increases with increasing epoxy contents. Epoxidized alkyllithium polybutadienes varying in molecular weight and epoxy content were shown to be compatible, efficient, and permanent plasticizer-stabilizers for polyvinyl chloride.