Acidic peroxo salts: A new class of initiators for vinyl polymerization—II: Kinetics of polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by potassium monopersulphate catalysed by Mn(II)

Kinetics of the polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by an acidic peroxo salt (potassium monopersulphate) catalysed by Mn(II) have been investigated in aqueous systems over the range 30–50°. The rates of polymerization (R_p) have been studied for various concentrations of monomer and initiator. The efficiencies of various metal salts in catalysing the polymerization have been determined from the values of R_p. The effects of catalyst (MnSO₄), initiator, monomer and various aromatic and heterocyclic amines on R_p and conversion have been studied. The end-groups of the recovered polymers have been studied using standard methods. From the observed end-groups and kinetic results, a reaction scheme has been proposed, involving initiation by OH^. or S$\text{O}$₄^. radicals, generated by the interaction of the initiator with manganous sulphate, and termination by mutual combination.