Copolymerization of methylmethacrylate with styrene using triphenylbismuthoniumylide as radical initiator

Abstract

AbstractBismuthoniumylide‐initiated radical copolymerization of methylmethacrylate with styrene at 60 ± 0.2°C using dioxane as an inert solvent, follows ideal kinetics (Rp ∝ [ylide]0.5 [MMA]1.0 [sty]1.0), and yields alternating copolymer as evident from NMR spectroscopy. The values of reactivity ratios r1 and r2, calculated from Finemann–Ross method are 0.48 and 0.45, respectively. The system follows ternary molecular complex mechanism. The radical mode of polymerization has been confirmed by ESR spectroscopy and the effect of hydroquinone. The value of activation energy and k/kt are 65.0 KJ mol−1 and 2.5 × 10−5 l mole−1 s−1, respectively. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 2774–2781, 2001