Cationic Polymerization of Styrene by Stannic Chloride

I.Chain Transfer in Cationic Polymerization

Abstract

Styrene is polymerized by stannic chloride in ethylene dichloride and also in ethylene dichloride-benzene. Experimental results show that (1) the rates of polymerization are decreased extraordinarily in the initial stage, and also by the addition of trace water, (2) the reaction order of rates is the second to monomer concentration both in the initial concentration or in the proceeding of polymerization, (3) the degree of polymerization decreases as polymerization proceeds and this can be explained by the chain transfer of monomer, (4) the relationship between 1/P and 1/(initial concentration of monomer) is found to be linear and the chain transfer constant of benzene is calculated to be 0.40×710^-2.