Carbenium ions,onium ions,and covalent species in the cationic polymerization of alkenes

The importance of exchange reactions between various types of active species present in the cationic polymerization of alkenes is addressed. Reactivities of carbocations, corresponding ion pairs, onium ions, and covalent species are discussed for model systems and in real polymerization. The influence of various parameters on the equilibria between carbenium ions, onium ions, and covalent species is described. Rate constants of the isomerization of active sites are estimated and correlated with polydispersities. General ways to improve control of cationic polymerization of alkenes are discussed.