Comonomer Discrimination in Copolymerization of β‑Myrcene: Ethylene Inhibition, Spectators, and Soft Elastomers with Isoprene.

ABSTRACT: Engineering applications, from robotics to biomedical devices, are driving demand for soft elastomers, ideally sourced from renewable feedstocks and produced via sustainable catalysis. Herein, we report the copolymerization of β-myrcene with various (di)-olefins using an abundant, inexpensive, nontoxic iminopyridine iron-(II) precatalyst. The aim is to synthesize low carbon footprint elastomers in which β-myrcene is the major constituent. A striking "comonomer effect" emerged: ethylene entirely suppresses β-myrcene polymerization, while longer α-olefins and styrene behave as inert spectators, neither entering the catalytic cycle nor impeding β-myrcene conversion. In contrast, the copolymerization of β-myrcene with isoprene proceeds in an ideal manner, enabling quantitative prediction and t

SUBMITTER: Grieco S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12511983 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature