A simple method is reported for the epoxidation of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) by using in-situ generated dimethyl dioxirane (DMD) as an oxidant and Cloisite 15Aº nanoclay as a phase-transfer catalyst (PTC). In order to find the optimum reaction conditions, real time analyses of the products as well as epoxidation progress, followed by ¹HNMR and FTIR techniques at various reaction times and different PTC concentrations, were done. Obtained data revealed the selectivity of DMD/ Cloisite 15Aº in predominant cis double bonds epoxidation in comparison with trans and pendant vinyl functional groups.
Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB); epoxidation; dimethyl dioxirane; Cloisite 15Aº
