Polymerization of allyl compounds. IV. Emulsion polymerization of allyl acetate

Abstract

Abstract The emulsion polymerization of allyl acetate yields a polymer of the same average molecular weight as is obtained in bulk polymerization. The decomposition of potassimn persulfate is of the first order but is greatly accelerated by the presence of allyl acetate or of ethyl acetate. Three independent methods of analysis agree in indicating the presence of sulfate groups in 75% of the polymer molecules. It is concluded that the mechanisms of chain initiation and termination are analogous to those in the peroxide‐induced bulk polymerization of allyl acetate. These facts do not serve to distinguish between different postulated loci reaction in emulsion polymerization.