Polymerization of Acrylonitrile: Kinetics of the Reaction Initiated by the Redox System Mn3/Mannitol

Polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by the redox system Mn³⁺/mannitol has been investigated in aqueous sulfuric acid in the temperature range 35–50°C. The rate of polymerization R_p and the rate of disappearance of Mn⁺³ (?R_M) were measured. The effect of certain water-miscible organic solvents, inorganic salts and complexing agents on the rate of polymerization have been investigated. Based on the experimental results, a suitable reaction mechanism is suggested involving the formation of complex between Mn³⁺ and the hydroxyl group of the substrate molecule, whose decomposition yields the initiating free radical; the polymer chain is terminated by the mutual combination of growing chains.