Polymerization initiated by an electron donor‐acceptor complex. Part III. Polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated in the systems containing polymer electron donor, acceptor, and carbon tetrachloride

Abstract

The polymerization of methyl methacrylate can be easily initiated in systems containing poly‐2‐vinylpyridine (polymer electron donor), liquid sulfur dioxide (acceptor), and carbon tetrachloride. The various types of polymer electron donors and acceptors which range widely in their electron affinity were also examined. The addition of DPPH causes the retardation; a decrease in the poly‐2‐vinylpyridine concentration or an increase in the monomer concentration leads to a higher molecular weight of poly‐MMA. The values of kp/√kt obtained under the various polymerization conditions are satisfactorily consistent with the literature values, suggesting that the polymerization proceeds through free radical intermediates.