Polymerization of Isoprene in Ethylacetate in the Presence of Hydrogen Peroxide

Abstract

Abst r a ct. Orders by monomer and initiator at polymerization of isoprene in solution of ethylacetate under the action of hydrogen peroxide have been determined. The order by monomer is equal to 1.49 ± 0.03, by initiator-0.46 ± 0.05. Unlike polymerization in solution of isopropyl alcohol, a process in ethylacetate proceeds in homogeneous solution. The value of order by monomer differs from the one for ideal polymerization, pointing to the specific mechanism of polymerization in the given system, while the value of order by initiator points to the quadratic termination of macroradicals, typical for ideal polymerization. These data as well as the literature lead to the conclusion that initiation takes place through decomposition of monomer-initiator complex.