Radical polymerization in the presence of complexing agents. III. Effect of low concentrations of ZnCl2 on the radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate

The formation of complexes between ZnCl₂ and methyl methacrylate (MMA) or between ZnCl₂ and AIBN was tested at two different polymerization temperatures, taking into account the Haeringer and Riess treatment. For any concentration of ZnCl₂ between 0.01 and 0.1 mole/liter the formation of ZnCl₂?MMA complexes is favored, whereas AIBN?ZnCl₂ complexes are hardly showed. The effect of zinc chloride on the stereostructure of poly(methyl methacrylate) was also investigated at both temperatures.