Polymerization of styrene in soap solutions

Abstract

Abstract A turbidimetric method has been developed for determining the styrene content in water and soap solution. The solubility of styrene in distilled water was 0.022% while in 2.0% potassium oleate solution it was 0.65 to 0.88%. The course of the polymerization of a saturated solution of styrene in 2% potassium oleate was followed by a colorimetric analysis based on reaction with dilute potassium permanganate. The rate of polymerization decreased rapidly after 50% conversion. The activation energy was estimated to be 17,000 kcal., somewhat less than in solution. The molecular weight of the polymer produced was 200,000. Occasional erratic results were ascribed to possible influence of various amounts of air sealed in the polymerization mixtures.