FIELD: chemistry.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method for cationic (co)polymerisation of an isoolefin monomer using a zinc-based initiator. The method comprises steps a) obtaining a solution of an isoolefin monomer in a halocarbon solvent, b) adding an alkyl halide activator to the solution obtained at step (a), c) adding a zinc-based initiator to the solution obtained at step (b), and d) conducting a reaction in the solution obtained at step (c) to form a polymer which contains isoolefin. The zinc-based initiator used is a compound of formula R-Zn-X (1), where R denotes a methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl group, and X denotes a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom.
EFFECT: obtaining an isoolefin homopolymer and copolymers of isoolefins and olefins with multiple unsaturated bonds, such as butyl rubber.
13 cl, 6 tbl, 3 ex
