Analysis of thermal oligomerization mechanism of styrene by field desorption mass spectrometry

Abstract

AbstractField desorption mass spectra of normal and deuterated styrene oligomers synthesized in several alkylbenzenes were measured. Analysis of the mechanism of thermal oligomerization was carried out by identifying the molecular species in the reaction system using field desorption mass spectra. As a result, the existence of several kinds of molecular species was confirmed. The minor molecular species originated from dissolved oxygen, from the cleavage of solvent radicals to which oxygen was attached, or from H–D exchange in the oligomerization of deuterated styrene. The major molecular species originated from radical telomerization of solvents and styrene dimers, from the recombination termination reaction, and from the cage reaction between initiating radicals. Field desorption mass spectrometry was found to be useful for analyzing the mechanism of styrene oligomerization as well as characterizing the oligomers.