The decomposition rate coefficient (k
d) is a crucial kinetic parameter for the decomposition
of azo compounds.
In this work, we develop quantitative structure–property relationship
(QSPR) models for the first time to predict the decomposition kinetic
parameters at a wide range of temperature for symmetrical azo compounds,
including azonitriles, alkyl azo, and aryl azo. The models are developed
based on norm index (NI) and quantum chemical (QC) descriptors, so-called
ln k
d (T, NI, QC) models. Based
on the collected data, solvents have an apparent influence on the k
d values for aryl azo, and the ln k
d (T, NI, QC, sol)aryl azo model with
better performance than ln k
d (T,
NI, QC)aryl azo model is thus developed. Meanwhile,
the as-developed models are endowed with excellent accuracy in calculating
the k
d values of initiators, which can
be further applied to new initiators beyond the data set used for
modeling. Interestingly, both Arrhenius parameters and their temperatures
at which the half-lives (t
1/2) are 0.1,
1, and 10 h of azo initiators can be extrapolated from the established
models. These data offer an insightful understanding of decomposition
kinetics and facilitate the selection of appropriate initiators in
radical polymerization. In the long term, it is expected that QSPR
models with higher predictive accuracy based on the data collected
from a wider range of experimental conditions can be developed, enabling
the design and screening of new azo initiators.