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.