The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed with BF3 etherate; the use of this initiation system in the preparation of HO‐terminated telechelic polymers and copolymers of butadiene

Abstract

AbstractKinetics of the catalyzed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of BF3 etherate were investigated, and the basic kinetic parameters used in the discussion of the mechanism of this reaction were determined. The system hydrogen peroxide‐BF3 etherate was used in the initiation of the radical polymerization and copolymerization of butadiene. The parameter φ was determined using an analysis of the kinetics of copolymerization of butadiene with acrylonitrile and the Simha‐Branson equation; the dependence of φ on the composition of the copolymerization mixture was interpreted in terms of Arlman's equation. The cross‐termination reaction occuring in the copolymerization of butadiene with acrylonitrile was characterized by comparing theoretical and experimental functions.