This project will examine the scope and the mechanism of the recently discovered and highly unusual Li+ catalyzed radical polymerization of unactivated terminal alkenes, from the short ones such as ethylene, propene, isobutylene to long ones such 1-octadecene, along and in alkene mixtures.
With this award, the Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Program is supporting the research of Professor Josef Michl, of the Department of Chemistry at University of Colorado at Boulder. Professor Josef Michl's research efforts revolve around the discovery, development, and exploitation of novel radical polymerization reactions catalyzed by lithium ion. This project could open up new, cheap, and environmentally benign methods for polymer preparation, which could significantly impact many areas of the chemical industry.
