Polyisobutene

Polyisobutene (polyisobutylene) is a class of organic polymers prepared by polymerization of isobutene. The polymers often have the formula Me₃C[CH₂CMe₂]_nH (Me = CH₃). They are typically colorless gummy solids.

Cationic polymerization, initiated with a strong Brønsted or Lewis acid, is the typical method for its production. The molecular weight (MW) of the resulting polymer determines the applications. Low MW polyisobutene, a mixture of oligomers with M_ns of about 500, is used as plasticizers. Medium and high MW polyisobutenes, with M_n ≥ 20,000, are components of commercial adhesives.

See also

• Butyl rubber
• Polybutene