Cathodic initiation of reactions of macromolecule formation and degradation

Research in the field of cathodic initiation of macromolecule polymerization and degradation is reviewed in this article. A mechanism is proposed for electrochemical initiation of anionic polymerization of oligoesteracrylates, as well as an accumulative mechanism of electrochemical reductive degradation (ECRD) of cross-linked polymers. Indirect initiation of ECRD of carbochain polymers through a dissociative mechanism is examined. Problems and perspectives are set forth for the development of electrochemical initiation of processes of polymerization and degradation of macromolecules.Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Éksperimental'naya Khimiya, Vol. 30, No. 6, pp. 307–318, November–December, 1994.