Indefinitely active aqueous cationic polymerizations,part I: Low cost,recyclable initiator systems |
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Authors: | Stewart P Lewis Jeffrey A Richards Krishnan Damodaran |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Chemistry, Pyramid Polymers LLC, Zanesville, Ohio;2. Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania;3. Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
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Abstract: | This article describes the first example of an aqueous cationic polymerization that utilizes a low cost, safe, and highly recyclable initiator system (phosphotungstic acid) that retains its activity indefinitely. Quantitative yields of low to medium molecular weight polymers of p-methoxystyrene and N-vinylcarbazole are obtained within minutes to hours. Polymerization is first order in both monomer and phosphotungstic acid. Negatively charged surfactants suppress polymerization; whereas, nonionic soaps increase the reaction rate and reduce both polymer molecular weight and polydispersity index. Herein, the discovery of a new form of aqueous cationic polymerization involving the condensation of the alcoholic derivative of p-methoxystyrene, 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanol, is also disclosed. |
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Keywords: | aqueous cationic green indefinitely polymerization |
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