Kinetic studies on the radical polymerization of acrylamide initiated by Mn3+–ethoxyacetic acid redox system

The kinetics of polymerization of acrylamide (AM) initiated by manganese(III) acetate–ethoxyacetic acid (EAA) redox system in aqueous sulphuric acid was investigated in the temperature range 35–45°C. The effects of variations in [monomer], [Mn³⁺], [EAA], [H⁺], and ionic strength on the rates of monomer disappearance (R_p) and Mn³⁺ disappearance (?R_m) were studied. The polymerization process is initiated by the free radical arising from the oxidation of ethoxyacetic acid by Mn³⁺ and terminated by the mutual combination of growing polymer radicals. Based on the kinetic results, a suitable reaction scheme is proposed and the rate expressions are derived. The study on degree of polymerization supports the proposed scheme for polymerization. The various rate and thermodynamic parameters are evaluated.     

Aqueous polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by manganese(III) pyrophosphate-thiocyanate redox system: a kinetic study

Summary The kinetics of aqueous polymerization of acrylonitrile monomer (M) initiated by the Mn^III-KNCS redox system have been studied under deaerated conditions in the temperature range 26–40 °C at constant ionic strength. The overall rates of polymerization and the disappearance of Mn^III were determined. The polymerization was initiated by the free radicals arising from the Mn^III-thiocyanate redox reaction. The rate of polymerization was investigated at various concentrations of monomer and initiator. The effects of varying [Mn^III], [NCS^–], pH, total [P₂O _inf7 ^sup4– ], added [Mn^II], metal ions, ClO _inf4 ^sup– , Cl^– and SO _inf4 ^sup2– were examined. Dependence of the rate of polymerization on temperature was studied and activation parameters were computed from an Arrhenius plot. A suitable kinetic scheme consistent with the observed results is proposed and discussed.     

Phase-Transfer catalyzed free-radical polymerization of acrylonitrile

The kinetics of phase-transfer catalyzed free-radical polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) was carried out with water-soluble initiator peroxomonosulphate (PMS) with phase-transfer catalysts (tetrabutylammonium chloride and benzyltributylammonium chloride (TBAC and BTBAC) in tolune/water two-phase systems in the temperature range of 45–55°C at fixed pH (4) and ionic strength. The rates of polymerization (R_p) were evaluated at various values of [PMS], [PTC], and [AN]. It has been observed that the rates of polymerization increase with an increase of [AN], [PMS], and [PTC]. A kinetic scheme has been proposed to account for the experimental observations. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

[Hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene as Thermal initiator for the Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate

Abstract

The thermal polymerization of methyl methacrylate in a solution of N,N-dimethylacetamide has been studied using [hydroxy(tosyloxy)- iodo]benzene (HTIB) as the initiator. The rate of polymerization was a direct function of the monomer and initiator concentrations. The initiator and monomer exponent values expressing this dependence were found to be 1.0 and 0.8, respectively. The overall activation energy of polymerization was estimated to be 45 kJ·mol^?-1. The polymerization was inhibited in the presence of hydroquinone. The effect of various solvents on the polymerization rate was studied. The polymer prepared with HTIB (0.47 × 10^?3 mol·L^?-1) had a number-average molecular weight of 138,000 and a glass transition temperature of 106°C. The polymer showed good thermal stability as determined by thermogravimetric analysis.     

Vinyl polymerization of acrylamide initiated by Thallium(III) ions in solution

Kinetics of polymerization of acrylamide initiated by Thallium(III) perchlorate was investigated in aqueous perchloric acid medium in the temperature range of 55–70°C. The rates of polymerization were measured varying the concentration of the monomer, initiator, and perchloric acid. The rate of polymerization was found to increase with increase of temperature, monomer concentration, initiator concentration, and perchloric acid concentration. The effect of additives like different solvents, surfactants, and retarders on the rate of polymerization was studied. Molecular weights of the polymer were determined by viscometry. The chain transfer constants for the monomer (C_M) and that for the solvent dioxan (C_s) were calculated to be 7.33 × 10^?3 and 6.66 × 10^?3, respectively. From the Arrhenius plot, the overall activation energy (E_a) was calculated to be 10.68 kcal/mol. The energy of initiation was calculated to be 12.36 kcal/mol. Depending on the results obtained, a suitable reaction mechanism has been suggested and a rate equation has been derived.     

SURFACTANT MEDIATED POLYMERIZATION KINETICS OF ACRYLAMIDE USING CR(VI)-CYCLOHEXANONE REDOX SYSTEM

The effect of organized surfactants on the kinetics of acrylamide (AM) polymerization have been studied over a temperature range of 25–45°C using Cr (VI)-cyclohexanone (CH) redox system as initiator. The rate of polymerization, R_p(obs), as well as, the percentage of the monomer conversio were found to be increased with increasing the concentration of the anionic surfactant (SDS), above its CMC. But the cationic surfactant (CTAB) reduced the rate considerably at higher concentration, while non-ionic surfactant (TX-100) played no role on the rate. The effect of [Cr(VI)], [CH], [AM], [H+], and ionic strength on the rates have also been examined. The presence of 0.015M SDS decreased the overall activation energy of the polymerization by 6.28 k.Cal/ mole as compared to that in the absence of a surfactant. On increasing the SDS concentration, the viscosity average molecular weight was also found to increase. For the polymerization process, a mutable mechanistic scheme has been pro-posed.     

Phase-Transfer Catalysis: Free-Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate using K2S2O8-Quaternary Ammonium Salt Catalyst System. A Kinetic Study

Abstract

The kinetics of phase-transfer-agent-assisted free-radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate using K₂S₂O₈ as the water-soluble initiator and triethylbenzylammonium chloride (TEBA) as the phase-transfer catalyst (PTC) was investigated in toluene-water biphase media at 60°C. The effect of varying [MMA], [K₂S₂O₈], [TEBA], [H⁺], the ionic strength of the medium, and the temperature on the rate of polymerization (R _p) was studied. R _p was found to be proportional to [MMA]², [K₂S₂O₈]¹, and [TEBA]^0.5. Based on the kinetic results, a mechanism involving initiation of polymerization by phase-transferred S₂O₈ ^2- and termination by Q⁺ (quaternary ammonium ion) is proposed.     

Study on the Kinetics of Polymerization of Tributyltin Methacrylate

The kinetics of polymerization of tributyltin methacrylate (TBTM) has been studied in benzene solution in the temperature range 60–75°C in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). We have obtained the following polymerization rate equation: R _p = K _p [TBTM]^1.5 [AIBN]^0.5. It shows that the dependence of the polymerization rate on the concentrations of the monomer TBTM and the initiator AIBN are 1.5 and 0.5 order, respectively. The activation energy of polymerization was found to be 18.1 kcal/mol. The activation energy for the degree of polymerization is approximately -12.3 kcal/mol.     

Monoaryloxo ytterbium(III) chlorides supported by β‐diketiminato ligands as novel initiators for the living ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone

Ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) was carried out using β‐diketiminato‐supported monoaryloxo ytterbium chlorides L¹Yb(OAr)Cl(THF) (1) [L¹ = N,N′‐bis(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)‐2,4‐pentanediiminato, OAr = 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenoxo‐], and L²Yb(OAr′)Cl(THF) (2) [L² = N,N′‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐2,4‐pentanediiminato, OAr′ = 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenoxo‐], respectively, as single‐component initiator. The influence of reaction conditions, such as polymerization temperature, polymerization time, initiator, and initiator concentration, on the monomer conversion, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution of the resulting polymers was investigated. Complex 1 was well characterized and its crystal structure was determined. Some features and kinetic behaviors of the CL polymerization initiated by these two complexes were studied. The polymerization rate is first order with respect to monomer. The M_n of the polymer increases linearly with the increase of the polymer yield, while polydispersity remained narrow and unchanged throughout the polymerization in a broad range of temperatures from 0 to 50 °C. The results indicated that the present system has a “living character”. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1147–1152, 2006     

Aqueous polymerization of acrylonitrile by ascorbic acid–peroxodisulfate redox system

The polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by an ascorbic acid–peroxodisulfate redox system was studied in an aqueous solution at 35°C in the presence of air. Molecular oxygen was found to have no effect on the polymerization reaction. An increase in ionic strength slightly increased the rate. The overall rate of polymerization, R_p, showed a square dependence on [monomer] and a half-order dependence on [peroxodisulfate]. A first-order dependence on [ascorbic acid] at low concentrations (<3.0 × 10^?3 mol L^?1) followed by a decrease in R_p at higher concentrations of ascorbic acid (>3.0 × 10^?3 mol L^?1) was also noted. R_p remained unchanged up to 40°C and showed a decline thereafter. Addition of catalytic amounts of cupric ions decreased the rate whereas ferric ions were found to increase the rate. Added sulfuric acid in the range (6.0?50.0) × 10^?5 mol L^?1 decreased the R_p.     

Effect of metal salts on polymerization. Part I. Polymerization of vinylpyridine initiated with cupric acetate

The polymerization of vinylpyridine initiated by cupric acetate has been studied. The rate of polymerization was greatly affected by the nature of the solvent. In general polar solvents increased the rate of polymerization. Polymerization was particularly rapid in water, acetone, and methanol. The initial rate of polymerization of 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) in a methanol–pyridine mixture at 50°C. is R_p = 6.95 × 10^?6[Cu¹¹]^1/2 [4-VP]² l./mole-sec. The activation energy of initiation by cupric acetate is 5.4 ± 1.6 kcal./mole. Polymerization of 2-vinylpyridine and 2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine with the same initiator was much slower than that of 4-VP. Dependence of R_p on monomer structure and solvent is discussed. Kinetic and spectroscopic studies led to the conclusion that the polymerization of 4-VP is initiated by one electron transfer from the monomer to cupric acetate in a complex having the structure, (4-VP)₂Cu(CH₃COO)₂.     

Aqueous polymerization of acrylamide initiated by cerium (IV)–ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid redox system

Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) terminated polyacrylamide was obtained by using the EDTA–cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate [Ce(IV)] redox initiator in the aqueous polymerization of acrylamide. The polymerization behaviors as a function of the concentration of Ce(IV), EDTA, and acrylamide as well as temperature were studied. The consumption rate of cerium(IV) depends a first-order reaction on the ceric ion concentration ([Ce(IV)]). The complex formation constant (K) and disproportionation constant (k_d) of Ce(IV)–EDTA chelated complex are 1.67 × 10⁴ and 3.77 × 10^?3, respectively. The rate dependences of polymerization on monomer concentration and EDTA concentration both follow a second-order reaction in the run of initial monomer concentration ([M]_i) equal to 0.2 mol dm^?3. The number average molecular weight increases linearly with the ratio of [M]_i/[Ce(IV)]_i. The mechanism and kinetics for the polymerization was proposed. The kinetic parameters involved were determined. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the emulsion polymerization of styrene in the aqueous media at 50°C and at low monomer concentration initiated by persulfate. I. Initiation

The mechanism of the water-soluble persulfate-initiated emulsion polymerization of styrene in the aqueous media at 50°C has been investigated kinetically by the conventional dilatometric and gravimetric methods at low concentration of the monomer (5% v/v). It has been found that the initial rate of polymerization V_p is approximately proportional to initiator concentration [I] to the 0.50 power, i.e., V_p ∝ [I]^0.50, and the viscosity-average molecular weight M _v is approximately inversely proportional to the 0.50 power of the initiator concentration, i.e., M _v ∝ [I]^?0.50. With the progress of the reaction, the initiator exponent of the reaction rate equation decreases gradually from 0.50 to 0.25, but that of the molecular weight (1) equation remains constant up to 20% conversion and thereafter begins to decrease. Since the kinetic data at zero conversion satisfy the steady-state kinetics of the free-radical-initiated homogeneous vinyl polymerization, it is suggested that the initiation of emulsion polymerization of styrene is a two-step process. It starts in the aqueous phase by the primary free radicals from the water-soluble initiator or secondary free radicals derived from the soap molecules. The second step occurs in the monomer-leaded micelles by the water-soluble or water-insoluble macroradicals or by radicals derived from the soap molecules. The latter are likely to be produced in the aqueous phase by the oxidation of soap with S₂O₈^2?ions or SO₄^? radicals. It has been noted that the rate of thermal decomposition of persulfate increases by a factor of 6–8 times under different experimental conditions in the presence of soap.     

High‐Speed Living Polymerization of Polar Vinyl Monomers by Self‐Healing Silylium Catalysts

This contribution describes the development and demonstration of the ambient‐temperature, high‐speed living polymerization of polar vinyl monomers (M) with a low silylium catalyst loading (≤ 0.05 mol % relative to M). The catalyst is generated in situ by protonation of a trialkylsilyl ketene acetal (^RSKA) initiator (I) with a strong Brønsted acid. The living character of the polymerization system has been demonstrated by several key lines of evidence, including the observed linear growth of the chain length as a function of monomer conversion at a given [M]/[I] ratio, near‐precise polymer number‐average molecular weight (M_n, controlled by the [M]/[I] ratio) with narrow molecular weight distributions (MWD), absence of an induction period and chain‐termination reactions (as revealed by kinetics), readily achievable chain extension, and the successful synthesis of well‐defined block copolymers. Fundamental steps of activation, initiation, propagation, and catalyst “self‐repair” involved in this living polymerization system have been elucidated, chiefly featuring a propagation “catalysis” cycle consisting of a rate‐limiting C? C bond formation step and fast release of the silylium catalyst to the incoming monomer. Effects of acid activator, catalyst and monomer structure, and reaction temperature on polymerization characteristics have also been examined. Among the three strong acids incorporating a weakly coordinating borate or a chiral disulfonimide anion, the oxonium acid [H(Et₂O)₂]⁺[B(C₆F₅)₄]^? is the most effective activator, which spontaneously delivers the most active R₃Si⁺, reaching a high catalyst turn‐over frequency (TOF) of 6.0×10³ h^?1 for methyl methacrylate polymerization by Me₃Si⁺ or an exceptionally high TOF of 2.4×10⁵ h^?1 for n‐butyl acrylate polymerization by iBu₃Si⁺, in addition to its high (>90 %) to quantitative efficiencies and a high degree of control over M_n and MWD (1.07–1.12). An intriguing catalyst “self‐repair” feature has also been demonstrated for the current living polymerization system.     

Kinetics of the Copolymerization of Methyl Vinyl Ketone and Acrylamide Initiated by the Adduct of Methyl Vinyl Ketone and Imidazole

N-(Butyl-3-one)imidazole acts as an initiating adduct which is formed in the anionic polymerization of methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) induced by imidazole (Im) and is directly formed from Im and the MVK monomer. The kinetics of the anionic homopolymerization of MVK and acrylamide (AAm) under argon in the presence of the adduct were investigated in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The rate of polymerization for the MVK system is expressed as R_p = k[Adduct] [MVK], where k = 3.1 × 10^?6 L/(mol·s)in THF at 30°C. The overall activation energy, E_a , was found to be 5.34 kcal/mol. The R_p for the AAm system is expressed as R_p = k[Adduct] [AAm], where k = 6.8 × 10^?6 L/(mol·s) in THF at 30°C, with E_a 7.78 kcal/mol. The mechanism of the polymerization induced by the initiator adduct is discussed on the basis of these results.     

Preparation of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight syndiotactic poly(vinyl pivalate) monodisperse microspheres by low‐temperature suspension polymerization of vinyl pivalate

The particle size distributions of poly(vinyl pivalate) (PVPi) produced from low‐temperature suspension polymerization of vinyl pivalate (VPi) with 2,2′‐azobis(4‐methoxy‐2,4‐dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMDMVN) as an initiator have been studied. By controlling various synthesis parameters, near‐monodisperse PVPi microspheres from 100 to 400 μm were obtained that are expected to be precursors of near‐monodisperse syndiotactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microspheres for biomedical embolic applications. The mean particle diameter follows the relationship: the volume average diameter, D_vad ∝ Y^0.26[VPi]^0.52[AMDMVN]^?0.25[PVA]^0.40T^?8.35Rpm^?0.67, where Y, [VPi], [AMDMVN], [PVA], T, and Rpm are the fractional conversion, concentrations of VPi, AMDMVN, and suspending agent, polymerization temperature, and agitation speed during the polymerization of VPi, respectively. The polydispersity of the particle size distribution of PVPi decreased with decreasing conversion, [AMDMVN], T, and Rpm and with increasing [VPi]. In the case of [PVA], optimization of the suspension stability led to a narrow particle size distribution. Ultrahigh‐molecular‐weights PVPi and PVA (number‐average degrees of polymerization of PVPi (25,000–32,000) and PVA (14,000–17,500), of high syndiotactic diad content (63%), and of high ultimate conversion of VPi into PVPi (85–95%) were obtained by suspension polymerization at 10 °C, followed by saponification. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 789–800, 2005     

Vinyl polymerization initiated by peroxydiphosphate. V. Polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by peroxydiphosphate-cyclohexanol redox system in the presence of silver ion

The polymerization of acrylonitrile was carried out using peroxydiphosphate-cyclohexanol redox system in the presence of silver ion. The rate of polymerization increases with increasing peroxydiphosphate concentration and the initiator exponent was computed to be 0.5. The rate of polymerization increases with increasing monomer concentration and the monomer exponent was computed to be unity. The plot of R_p vs [Ag⁺]^1/2 was linear, indicating 0.5 order with respect to [Ag⁺]. The reaction was carried out at three different temperatures and the overall activation energy was calculated to be 7.60 kcal/mol. The effect of certain surfactants on the rate of polymerization has been investigated and a suitable kinetic scheme has been pictured.     

Vinyl Polymerization Initiated by Ceric Ion–Ethyl Cellosolve Redox System in Aqueous Nitric Acid

Abstract

Polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylonitrile (AN) were carried out in aqueous nitric acid at 30°C with the redox initiator system ammonium ceric nitrate-ethyl cellosolve (EC). A short induction period was observed as well as the attainment of a limiting conversion for polymerization reactions. The consumption of ceric ion was first order with respect to Ce(IV) concentration in the concentration range (0.2–0.4) × 10^?2 M, and the points at higher and lower concentrations show deviations from a linear fit. The plots of the inverse of pseudo-first-order rate constant for ceric ion consumption, (k ¹)^?1 vs [EC]^?1, gave straight lines for both the monomer systems with nonzero intercepts supporting complex formation between Ce(IV) and EC. The rate of polymerization increases regularly with [Ce(IV)] up to 0.003 M, yielding an order of 0.41, then falls to 0.0055 M and again shows a rise at 0.00645 M for MMA polymerization. For AN polymerization, R _p shows a steep rise with [Ce(IV)] up to 0.001 M, and beyond this concentration R _p shows a regular increase with [Ce(IV)], yielding an order of 0.48. In the presence of constant [NO^? ₃], MMA and AN polymerizations yield orders of 0.36 and 0.58 for [Ce(IV)] variation, respectively. The rates of polymerization increased with an increase in EC and monomer concentrations: only at a higher concentration of EC (0.5 M) was a steep fall in R _p observed for both monomer systems. The orders with respect to EC and monomer for MMA polymerization were 0.19 and 1.6, respectively. The orders with respect to EC and monomer for AN polymerization were 0.2 and 1.5, respectively. A kinetic scheme involving oxidation of EC by Ce(IV) via complex formation, whose decomposition gives rise to a primary radical, initiation, propagation, and termination of the polymeric radicals by biomolecular interaction is proposed. An oxidative termination of primary radicals by Ce(IV) is also included.     

Synthesis and properties of the polythiourethanes obtained by the cationic ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic thiourethanes

The cationic ring‐opening polymerization of a five‐membered thiourethane [3‐benzyl‐1,3‐oxazolidine‐2‐thione (BOT)] with boron trifluoride etherate afforded the corresponding polythiourethane with a narrow molecular weight distribution in an excellent yield. The molecular weight of the polymers could be controlled by the feed ratio of the monomer to the initiator. A kinetic study of the polymerization revealed that the polymerization rate of BOT (1.3 × 10^?2 L mol^?1 min^?1) was two times larger than that of the six‐membered thiourethane [3‐benzyltetrahydro‐1,3‐oxazolidine‐2‐thione (BTOT); 6.8 × 10^?3 L mol^?1 min^?1], and the monomer conversion obeyed the first‐order kinetic equation. These observations, along with the successful results in the two‐stage polymerization, supported the idea that this polymerization proceeded in a controlled manner. Block copolymerizations of BOT with BTOT were also carried out to afford the corresponding di‐ and triblock copolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions. The order of the 5% weight loss temperatures was as follows: poly(3‐benzyltetrahydro‐1,3‐oxazolidine‐2‐thione) [poly(BTOT)] > poly(BTOT₅₄‐b‐BOT₄₆) > poly(3‐benzyl‐1,3‐oxazolidine‐2‐thione) [poly(BOT)]. This indicated that an increase in the BTOT unit content raised the decomposition temperature. The order of the refractive indices was poly(BOT) > poly(BTOT₅₄‐b‐BOT₄₆) > poly(BTOT₅₄‐b‐BOT₄₆‐b‐BTOT₅₀) > poly(BTOT); this was in accord with the order of the sulfur content in the polymer chain. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4795–4803, 2006     

A novel tridentate nitrogen donor as ligand in copper catalyzed ATRP of methyl methacrylate

A tridentate ligand, BPIEP: 2,6‐bis[1‐(2,6‐diisopropyl phenylimino) ethyl] pyridine, having central pyridine unit and two peripheral imine coordination sites was effectively employed in controlled/“living” radical polymerization of MMA at 90°C in toluene as solvent, Cu^IBr as catalyst, and ethyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate (EBiB) as initiator resulting in well‐defined polymers with polydispersities M_w/M_n ≤ 1.23. The rate of polymerization follows first‐order kinetics, k_app = 3.4 × 10^?5 s^?1, indicating the presence of low radical concentration ([P*] ≤ 10^?8) throughout the reaction. The polymerization rate attains a maximum at a ligand‐to‐metal ratio of 2:1 in toluene at 90°C. The solvent concentration (v/v, with respect to monomer) has a significant effect on the polymerization kinetics. The polymerization is faster in polar solvents like, diphenylether, and anisole, as compared to toluene. Increasing the monomer concentration in toluene resulted in a better control of polymerization. The molecular weights (M_n,SEC) increased linearly with conversion and were found to be higher than predicted molecular (M_n,Cal). However, the polydispersity remained narrow, i.e., ≤1.23. The initiator efficiency at lower monomer concentration approaches a value of 0.7 in 110 min as compared to 0.5 in 330 min at higher monomer concentration. The aging of the copper salt complexed with BPIEP had a beneficial effect and resulted in polymers with narrow polydispersitities and higher conversion. PMMA obtained at room temperature in toluene (33%, v/v) gave PDI of 1.22 (M_n = 8500) in 48 h whereas, at 50°C the PDI is 1.18 (M_n = 10,300), which is achieved in 23 h. The plot of lnk_app versus 1/T gave an apparent activation energy of polymerization as (ΔE^≠_app) 58.29 KJ/mol and enthalpy of equilibrium (ΔH⁰_eq) to 28.8 KJ/mol. Reverse ATRP of MMA was successfully performed using AIBN in bulk as well as solution. The controlled nature of the polymerization reaction was established through kinetic studies and chain extension experiments. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4996–5008, 2005