Head to head polymers. XXV: Properties of head to head polyisobutylene

Head-to-head polyisobutylene, prepared by the Grignard coupling reaction of 2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-1,4-dibromobutane had molecular weight of 3,000 to 10,000 and was characterized by wide angle x-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and thermal behavior. Head-to-head polyisobutylene is crystalline, with a crystalline melting point of 187°C and a glass transition temperature of 87°C (measured by DSC at a scan rate of 20°/min.); these values compare to a glass transition temperature of head-to-tail polyisobutylene of similar molecular weight of −61°C and a crystalline melting point of 5°C, which can only be observed when the sample was stretched. The maximum rate of degradation of head-to-head polyisobutylene (20°/min. programmed temperature increase) is at 315°C, 70°C lower than that of head-to-tail polyisobutylene.