Radical‐catalyzed homopolymerization of maleic anhydride in presence of polar organic compounds

Abstract

AbstractPolar organic compounds either (1) inhibit the peroxide‐catalyzed bulk homopolymerizations of both MAH and MMA at 80°C, (2) do not inhibit the polymerization of either MAH or MMA, or (3) inhibit the polymerization of MAH but not that of MMA. Compounds generally used as polymerization inhibitors or antioxidants inhibit the polymerizations of both MAH and MMA, presumably by interaction with peroxide decomposition products. Ketones, ethers, acids, esters, nitriles, imides, sulfones, sulfonates, sulfonamides, and acyl disulfides do not inhibit either MAH or MMA polymerization. However, amides, lactams, carbamates, amine oxides, phosphites, phosphates, phosphonates, phosphoramides, phosphine oxides, monosulfides, sulfoxides, aryl disulfides, and thiazyl disulfides inhibit the polymerization of MAH but not that of MMA. Inhibition presumably occurs as a result of electron transfer from the nitrogen‐, phosphorous‐ or sulfur‐containing electron donor compound to the MAH carbocation which is an intermediate in the polymerization of MAH.