Mechanism of the thermal dehydrochlorination of poly(vinyl chloride) models in the liquid phase

The thermal dehydrochlorination of model compounds of PVC has been investigated in the liquid phase in an inert atmosphere. Electrophilic catalysis and the effect of various solvents on this reaction have been studied. It has been found that the electron-accepting power of the reaction medium is the decisive rate-determining factor, while the dielectric constant comes second. A mechanism of thermal dehydrochlorination has been suggested, in which a reaction between the substrate and the proton giving rise to the carbonium ion is the rate-determining step for the whole process.