Effects of pairwise, self-associating functional side groups on polymer solubility, solution viscosity, and mist control

Solution properties are reported for homologous series of narrowly distributed polymers with systematically varied content of self-associating groups. Anionically polymerized polybutadienes of two lengths (510 and 1250 kg/mol) serve as prepolymers that are modified by incorporation of carboxylic acid side groups using thiol−ene coupling to pendant vinyl groups. Carboxylic acid groups strongly reduce polymer solubility in hydrocarbon solvents, restricting the extent of functionalization that can be examined in single-phase solutions (e.g., in chlorododecane, functionalization must be kept