An unsaturated deoxybenzoin compound has the structure (I)

##STR00001##

wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, and n are defined herein. A polymer including at least one group derived from a deoxybenzoin compound having structure (I), (II), or a combination thereof

##STR00002##

is also described, wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, and n are defined herein.

Disclosed herein are highly active dilithio initiators prepared from high molecular weight dienes (C≧6) and methods for the preparation of such compounds. These dilithio initiators result in greater control over polymer microstructure and provide useful polymers and oligomers with low vinyl incorporation.

There is a process for high sulfur content copolymer preparation having the step of reacting sulfur in solid form with at least one crosslinker selected from organic compounds having at least a double or triple bond in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from dithiocarbamates, mercaptobenzothiazoles, xanthates, thiophosphates, at a temperature ranging from 110° C. to 180° C.

The high sulfur content copolymer, depending on the glass transition temperature, can be of elastomeric or thermoplastic type and can be advantageously used in different applications. In case of an elastomeric-type high sulfur content copolymer, the copolymer can be advantageously used in different applications such as, for example, thermal insulation, conveyor belts, transmission belts, flexible tubes, elastomeric tire compositions. In case of a thermoplastic-type high sulfur content copolymer, the copolymer can be advantageously used, as such or in a mixture with other (co)polymers (for example, styrene, divinylbenzene), in different applications such as, for example, packaging, electronics, household appliances, computer cases, CD cases, kitchen, laboratories, offices and medical items, in building and construction.

There is a process for high sulfur content copolymer preparation having the step of reacting sulfur in solid form with at least one crosslinker selected from organic compounds having at least a double or triple bond in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from dithiocarbamates, mercaptobenzothiazoles, xanthates, thiophosphates, at a temperature ranging from 110° C. to 180° C.

The high sulfur content copolymer, depending on the glass transition temperature, can be of elastomeric or thermoplastic type and can be advantageously used in different applications. In case of an elastomeric-type high sulfur content copolymer, the copolymer can be advantageously used in different applications such as, for example, thermal insulation, conveyor belts, transmission belts, flexible tubes, elastomeric tire compositions. In case of a thermoplastic-type high sulfur content copolymer, the copolymer can be advantageously used, as such or in a mixture with other (co)polymers (for example, styrene, divinylbenzene), in different applications such as, for example, packaging, electronics, household appliances, computer cases, CD cases, kitchen, laboratories, offices and medical items, in building and construction.

The present invention provides a 1,3,7-octatriene polymer having a narrow molecular weight distribution and a hydride thereof. Specifically, the 1,3,7-octatriene polymer is a polymer containing a structural unit derived from 1,3,7-octatriene, wherein the polymer has not only a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 2.05 or less but also a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 1,000 to 1,000,000.

The present invention provides a 1,3,7-octatriene polymer having a narrow molecular weight distribution and a hydride thereof. Specifically, the 1,3,7-octatriene polymer is a polymer containing a structural unit derived from 1,3,7-octatriene, wherein the polymer has not only a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 2.05 or less but also a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 1,000 to 1,000,000.

A polymer having a hydrophobic polymer chain derived from monomers of farnesene and other optional monomers, such as dienes and vinyl aromatics. The polymer also includes one or more terminal functional groups, such as an amino group, a glycidyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a (meth)acrylate group, a silane group, an isocyanate group, an acetoacetate group, a phenolic group, and a hydroxyl group. Functional groups, such as carboxylic acids, may also be grafted along the hydrophobic polymer chain. The polymer may be incorporated in curable compositions that optionally include one or more polymer resins having similar functional groups. Methods for preparing the curable polymer compositions are also provided. The curable or cured form of the polymer composition may be used in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesive, or a propellant binder.

Polymers comprising a plurality of cannabinoids, methods of preparation thereof, and methods of use to treat a number of disease conditions are reported. Also provided are polymer coatings, films, fibers, and non-woven fabrics for a variety of topical applications including stents, bandages, sutures, and transdermal patches.

Polymers comprising a plurality of cannabinoids, methods of preparation thereof, and methods of use to treat a number of disease conditions are reported. Also provided are polymer coatings, films, fibers, and non-woven fabrics for a variety of topical applications including stents, bandages, sutures, and transdermal patches.

A macromonomer precursor is provided that includes a polymeric chain derived from farnesene and a single functional terminal end. The functional terminal end may include a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanato group, or a carboxylic acid group. The terminal end of the macromonomer precursor may then be reacted with a (meth)acrylate to form a macromonomer having a (meth)acrylate functionalized terminal end that may be (co)polymerized with radically polymerizable monomers, such as alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers. Alternatively, a copolymer may be obtained by first deriving a poly(meth)acrylate from (meth)acrylate monomers having reactive groups that would allow the macromonomer precursors to be grafted onto the poly(meth)acrylate in a second step. The resulting copolymer may be incorporated as an additive in various formulations, such as a lubricant, a hydraulic fluid, a cosmetic composition, and an adhesive composition.