Solid-state polymerization of butadienes. Polymerization of salts of 6-amino-2,4-trans,trans-hexadienoic acid

The polymerization of 6-amino-2,4-trans,trans-hexadienoic acid and various of its salts was studied in the solid state. Crystals of the hydrochloride and organic inorganic double halides with cadmium chloride, manganese (II) chloride, and iron(II) chloride were found to polymerize rapidly upon UV or γ irradiation. An erythro-diisotactic polymer is obtained in the form of extended chain crystals. The polymer behaves as an amphoteric polyelectrolyte. The kinetics and the mechanism of the polymerization as well as morphological changes during the solid state reaction are discussed.