Kinetics of the hydrolysis of linear poly[(acylimino)‐ethylenes]

Abstract

Abstract The kinetic variables associated with the hydrolysis of linear poly[(acylimino)ethylenes] by acid and base have been studied. As anticipated, both reactions follow conventional second‐order rate laws and are essentially irreversible. This stoichiometry and the unexpectedly rapid rate of the acid hydrolysis have been useful in the preparation of partly deacylated poly[(acylimino)ethylenes]. The desired degree of deacylation can be accurately obtained by the relative amount of acid and hydrolyzable amide functionality. The effects of the reaction temperature and nature of the acyl group on the reaction rate have been determined and an unusual relationship between rate and molecular weight was uncovered. The reactions are compared with the hydrolyses of corresponding monomeric tertiary amides and the potential utility of the products is discussed.