Anionische Polymerisation in Schwach Solvatisierenden Lösungsmitteln

The anionic polymerization of styrene initiated by cumylsodium and carried out in cumyl methyl ether has been examined with use of conversion kinetics and molecular weight distribution. The solvent has a weaker solvation power than THF and THP, which have been studied with the same experimental technique. The polymerization rate is first order relative to monomer and the rate constant has a value of ca. 1 mole−1 1. sec.−1 at − 20.5°C. The constant is only slightly dependent on the initiator concentration, but the molecular weight distribution is broader than a Poisson function. Added electrolyte has little effect on the propagation constant but it greatly alters the molecular weight distribution. These experimental results are discussed in connection with two‐state polymerization.