| Abstract: | Batch extraction and polymerization of indole and 3-methylindole (skatole) with acidic cation exchange resins functioned as pseudo first-order reactions. Activation energies of 3.4 and 5.7 keal/mole indicated greater steric hindrance to skatole polymerization, as would be expected from 2,2′ bonding of skatole compared to 3,2′ bonding for indole. Linear polymerization occurred, although a heterocyclic ring opened at the trimer stage of poly(indole). 2-Methylindole did not polymerize. General acid-base catalysis caused unreproducible partial depolytnerization when the polymers were extracted from resin beads. Thus, compounds chromatographically separated probably were of lower degree of polymerization than were the polymers formed in the resin matrix. |
