Synthesis and characterization of maleinized-silylated low molecular weight guayule rubber (MASiGR)

Maleinization followed by silylation of low molecular weight guayule rubber was accomplished for the first time via a two-step process. Maleinization was first effected by grafting maleic anhydride onto guayule rubber under t he influence of benzoyl peroxide catalyst to give maleinized guayule rubber (MAGR). The maleinized rubber was then further derivatized via hydrosilyla tion with dichloromethyl silane and chloroplatinic acid (Speier's catalyst) to give maleinized-silylated guayule rubber (MASiGR). The silylated polyme r (MASiGR) was further functionalized by reaction with ethanol or aqueous a mmonia to produce ethoxysilane and silanol moieties, respectively. The prod ucts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), H-1-, C-13-, and Si-29- nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.