Polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by styrene-arsenic sulfide complex

Arsenic sulfide interacts with styrene to form a complex which in DMSO at 80±0.1°C under N₂ atmosphere, initiates radical polymerization of acrylonitrile. The kinetic equation of the system isR_p [complex]^0.5 [AN]. The value ofk_p²/k_t and energy of activation for the system are computed as 5.0×10^–1 l mol^–1 s^–1 and 98.2 kJ mol^–1, respectively. The polymerization is retarded by hydroquinone. The effect of polar and non-polar solvents has also been discussed. A possible mechanism for the reaction has also been proposed.