polyisobutene
{{Chembox
|ImageFile = Polyisobutylene.svg
|ImageSize = 150px
|ImageFile1 = Oppanol b100.png
|ImageCaption1 = Sample of polyisobutene with a molecular weight of ~1,000,000[https://automotive-transportation.basf.com/global/en/fuel-and-lubricants/fuel-and-lubricant-solutions/polyisobutenes--pib-/oppanol_more-than-just-polyisobutene.html OPPANOL B 100 by BASF]
|OtherNames = Polyisobutylene; Poly(isobutene); Poly(isobutylene); PIB
|Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers
|CASNo = 9003-27-4
|CASNo_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}}
|UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}}
|UNII = 241BN7J12Y
|ChEBI = 53725
}}
|Section2 = {{Chembox Properties
|Formula = (C4H8)n
|MolarMass = Variable
}}
}}
Polyisobutene (polyisobutylene) is a class of organic polymers prepared by polymerization of isobutene. The polymers often have the formula Me3C[CH2CMe2]nH (Me = CH3). They are typically colorless gummy solids.
Cationic polymerization, initiated with a strong Brønsted or Lewis acid, is the typical method for its production. The molecular weight (MW) of the resulting polymer determines the applications. Low MW polyisobutene, a mixture of oligomers with Mns of about 500, is used as plasticizers. Medium and high MW polyisobutenes, with Mn ≥ 20,000, are components of commercial adhesives.{{cite encyclopedia |author1=Kenneth S. Whiteley |author2=T. Geoffrey Heggs |author3=Hartmut Koch |author4=Ralph L. Mawer |author5=Wolfgang Immel |title=Polyolefins |encyclopedia=Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry |year=2005 |publisher=Wiley-VCH |place=Weinheim |doi=10.1002/14356007.a21_487}}