The propagation rate constants of the cationic polymerization of alkenes—part III. Indene, two vinyl ethers and general discussion

Abstract

We report on the measurement of the propagation rate constants k p + of styrene, indene, phenyl vinyl ether (PhViE) and 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether (CEViE) in nitrobenzene at (mostly) 298 K with 4-ClC 6H 4CO +SbF 6 − as initiator. The dependence of the conductivity on the [4-ClC 6H 4CO +SbF 6 −] = c 0 helped to establish that [P n +] = c 0 and thus to validate the foundation of this work. It is shown that most probably the propagating species are the uncomplexed, unpaired, solvated carbenium ions. Some new enthalpies of polymerization have been found. Monomer Styrene Indene PhViE CEViE k p +/dm 3·mol −1·sec −1 195±15 373±15 1450±200 ca10 4 −ΔH p/kJ·mol −1 64±2.5 56±0.5 110±10 80±8