IR Study of the Pressure Induced Solid State DI- and Polymerization in 1,3-butadiene

The pressure induced chemical reaction of butadiene was studied in the crystal phase by means of FTIR spectroscopy using a Membrane Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC). Two different reaction products, vinylcyclohexene (dimerization) and trans-polybutadiene (polymerization), were obtained. The phase diagram of butadiene was investigated and the existence of an orientation ally disordered phase, between the liquid and the ordered solid phase, was identified. The analysis of the time evolution of the integrated absorption of the product bands provides information on the reaction mechanisms. Distinct models are necessary to explain the polymer and the dimer formation.