On the role of monomer-monomer donor-acceptor complexes in the free-radical copolymerisation of styrene and maleic anhydride

Abstract

The kinetics of the free-radical copolymerisation of styrene and maleic anhydride at 60° in bulk and in several solvents have been studied. Copolymer compositions may be interpreted either in terms of a mechanism involving a penultimate group effect or in terms of a mechanism involving some propagation via styrene-maleic anhydride donor-acceptor complexes. However, experiments at various overall monomer concentrations and in which zinc chloride and phthalic anhydride have been added indicate that the penultimate group effect mechanism is to be preferred. © 1977.