Determination of the stereochemistry of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) via end group functionalization

The stereochemistry of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) was examined through end group functionalization with chlorotrimethylsilane. The polymer backbone of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) contained 70% 1,2 addition and 30% 1,4-addition. The regiochemistry of 6000 trimethylsilyl (TMS) end-capped chain ends was examined through both 1H and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The ratio ofthe cis vs trans stereomolecules of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) were determined upon 1H NMR examination of the TMS end groups, and found to be 6% trans and 18% cis of the total 24% 1,4-addition.