Terminal functionalization of polypropylene via the Alder Ene reaction

A terminally anhydride functionalized polypropylene was synthesized via the Alder Ene reaction from a low molecular weight amorphous polypropylene. A Lewis acid, SnCl2·2H2O, was found to catalyse the reaction, thereby improving anhydride content in the polymer for reaction conditions comparable to those in an extrusion environment, i.e. elevated temperature and short residence time. The reaction was carried out at 230°C for 5 min in the …