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Albemarle Corporation

J Todd Aplin

Charles H Kolich

Bonnie G McKinnie

W Dirk Klobucar

Kimberly A Maxwell

Clinton R Parham

Robert U Lyons

A batch process for the anionic polymerization of a styrenic monomer is described. The process brings together a liquid saturated hydrocarbon diluent, an ether promoter, an organolithium initiator and a styrenic monomer in such a way so as to maintain the reaction mixture at or below about 55&deg; C. and so that the amount of organolithium initiator employed is in the range of about 1 to about 10 mol %, based upon the total amount of styrenic monomer to be added. Favorable polydispersity and molecular weight polymer characteristics are obtained.

Anionic polymerization process

Process technology for selectively isomerizing vinylidene olefin to tri-substituted olefin is described. The vinylidene olefin, normally in admixture with other types of olefins, especially linear 1-olefins, is treated with anhydrous hydrogen bromide under anhydrous conditions and in the absence of molecular oxygen and free radical initiator. The contacting period, which can be a matter of minutes, is sufficient to selectively isomerize the vinylidene olefin to tri-substituted olefin. If the process is conducted properly, little if any hydrobromination occurs.

Isomerization of vinylidene olefins

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Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America

J Todd Aplin