Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Initiated by the System of Ferrocene and Carbon Tetrachrolide

Abstract

The polymerization of vinyl monomers by the system of ferrocene (Fc)and carbon tetrachloride (Cptb14) was studied in the dark.lt was found that methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acryldnitrile (AN) can be polymerized without photoirradiation, while styren, e (St) was not polymerized under these conditions.
Thepolymerization Qf MMA by the Fc/CC14 system in the dark was also. investigatedkinetically, using benzene as a solvent. And the following equation was obtained:
R =const. [Fc]O, 6[CC14]e, 5[MMA]1, 5
This resu1t agrees with those of the usual photopolyrnerizations. Polymerization cpnversions decreased with hddition ofwater.The polymerization is assumed to proceed through a freeradical mechanism.The apparant overall energy of activation was estimated to be 13.O kcal/mol.