Radical reactions initiated by chelate complexes of transition metals. III. Grafting of polymers containing halogen atoms

Abstract

AbstractPolymerization of styrene is initiated by bis‐(–)ephedrine copper(II) chelate in presence of halopolymers and telomers containing terminal halogen atoms. The rate of polymerization at constant concentration of the chelate depends on the specific halopolymer used and its concentration i.e. on the concentration of halogen atoms in the polymerization system. It is suggested that initiation results from interaction of the chelate with the halogen atoms of the halopolymer leading to formation of reactive centres at the halopolymer. These centres are able to give rise to formation of graft and block copolymers in presence of suitable vinyl monomers.