Abstract
AbstractSulfur dioxide undergoes copolymerization with ethylene oxide in the presence of Lewis bases capable of forming onium ions (such as amines, phosphines, diethyl sulfide, dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N‐dimethylformamide) yielding poly(ethylene sulfite) bearing also a small amount of ethylene oxide monomeric units homosequencies. After 4–6 h of reaction at 50°C in bulk, the monomer conversion reaches 70–90%. The copolymer obtained is a mixture of linear and cyclic products which tend to degrade to yield ethylene sulfite. At 50°C this decomposition is very slow when unreacted SO2 is completely removed. However, it proceeds very rapidly, within a few hours, in the presence of compounds with strong electrophilic properties like BF3, H3PO4, or chlorotrimethylsilane. Studies of model reactions indicate that in the systems studied the macrocyclization results mainly from the attack of sulfite or alcoholate active species at the carbon atoms in polysulfites. Chain transfer reactions with the solvent occur also in reactions carried out in ethanol.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
