Indium(iii) halides as exceptionally active, water-tolerant catalysts for cationic polymerization of styrenics

Abstract

The (co)polymerization of styrenes, α-methylstyrene, and indene is efficiently promoted by InBr3 or InCl3, in combination with an alkyl halide. This convenient route employs unpurified (wet) monomers, proceeds at slightly higher than room temperatures, and uses amounts as low as 20 ppm of indium pre-catalyst.