| Abstract: | Reaction of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with superoxide anion was carried out in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 40°C in a nitrogen atmosphere. Remarkable changes in infrared (IR) spectra of the samples treated with superoxide anion were observed in the following regions: ca. 3300, 1680, 1620, and 765 cm?1, which suggested the formation of hydroxyl groups, α,β-unsaturated ketone groups, and ethylenic structures. Ultraviolet–visible spectra also showed the formation of polyene structures. The content of chlorine in the polymer decreased and that of oxygen increased with reaction time. The reaction mechanism was discussed on the basis of these results. |
