Polymerisation of vinyl monomers by transition‐metal allyl compounds. IV. Molecular weight distribution of poly(methyl methacrylate)

Abstract

AbstractMolecular weights and molecular weight distributions of poly(methyl methacrylate) initiated by Cr(2‐methallyl)3 have been determined by gel permeation chromatography. The distribution is shown to broaden with polymerisation conversion, and it is suggested that this results from the formation of long chains having a high isotactic triad content. Number average molecular weights extrapolated to zero conversion are shown to depend largely on transfer processes. The experimental molecular weight distribution at zero conversion is shown to correspond to that expected from the polymerisation mechanism.