Head to head polymers. XXIX. A new synthetic route to poly(1,1‐dimethylpropane)

Abstract

Poly(1,1‐dimethylpropane) was synthesized by Wurtz coupling polymerization. The polymer was of moderate molecular weight, about 50% crystalline, had a melting temperature of 87°C and a glass transition temperature of −17°C. The polymer was essentially the same material as that obtained by cationic hydride transfer polymerization of 3‐methylbutene‐1 at very low temperatures, or by cationic ring opening polymerization of 1,1‐dimethylcyclopropane. Poly(1,1‐dimethylpropane) obtained by the Wurtz reaction was obtained in only low yield; a substantial part of the total reaction product was 1,1‐dimethylcyclopropane.