Thermal decomposition products of polyisobutylene

Abstract

Polyisobutylene was decomposed at 325, 345, and 365 degrees C under vacuum, and the volatile products were trapped by using liquid nitrogen. The products, C(l)-C(24) hydrocarbons, were analyzed by gas chromatography. The formation of the main products is discussed on the basis of a free-radical mechanism. Intramolecular radical transfer can account for the production of most fragments including dimers, trimers, tetramers, and so on, of isobutylene.