Polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by the redox system Mn3/thioglycollic acid

Abstract

SynopsisThe kinetics of aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by the redox system Mn3+-thioglycollic acid was studied in sulfuric acid in the temperature range of 35-50°C, and the rates of polymerization R, and Mn3+ disappearance, etc., were measured. The effect of certain water-miscible organic solvents, neutral electrolytes, and complexing agents on the rates of polymerization has been investigated. A mechanism involving the formation of a complex between Mn"+ and thioglycollic acid whose decomposition yields the initiating free radical with the polymerization being terminated by the metal ion has been suggested.