Highly reactive polyisobutylene through cationic polymerization of isobutylene

Highly reactive polyisobutylene (HRPIB) is the most important industrial polymeric material used as additives for lubricants, fuels and polymers. HRPIB is olefin terminated polymer preferred over conventional polyisobutylene due to its reactive nature. Present review covers synthetic processes of HRPIB, including the living carbocationic approach, organometallic catalyst systems and the widely explored carbocationic polymerization involving the chain transfer promoting catalysts based on Lewis acids. The complexes of Lewis acids involving ionic liquids show high potential in carbocationic polymerization of isobutylene to produce HRPIB with desired characteristics. Further advancements are focussed on the economics and environmentally safe approaches, assuring valued commercial process and HRPIB product.

Automated summary

Highly reactive polyisobutylene (HRPIB) is a crucial industrial polymer used extensively as additives for lubricants, fuels and polymers. This review focuses on the synthetic processes of HRPIB, particularly the carbocationic approach, organometallic catalyst systems and carbocationic polymerization with Lewis acid-based chain transfer promoting catalysts. The use of Lewis acid complexes with ionic liquids has shown great potential in producing HRPIB with desired characteristics. Future advancements need to consider economic and environmentally-friendly approaches to ensure valuable commercial processes and HRPIB products.