Problem 2. Polymerization Reaction The mechanistic steps for a polymerization re

Question

Problem 2. Polymerization Reaction

The mechanistic steps for a polymerization reaction of interest are:

a) Classify each of the above steps as being either an initiation, propagation, or termination step.

b) Assuming that the steady state approximation holds, derive an expression for the average number of monomers in a polymer, i.e. the chain length.

Problem 2. Polymerization Reaction The mechanistic steps for a polymerization reaction of interest are: k3 a) Classify each of the above steps as being either an initiation, propagation, or termination step. b) Assuming that the steady state approximation holds, derive an expression for the average number of monomers in a polymer, i.e. the chain length.

Explanation / Answer

A) initiation : Initiation is the step where the free radicals will initiate

In the above example first step is the initiation reaction Rn --> n R* (k1)

   Propagation: Propagation is the chin reaction where continuously one radical will form another radical

   In the above example Propagation is 2nd and 3rd steps

Termination: Termination is the step where the radical production will decrease or stopped, it is end of the polymerisation

The last step in the above reaction is Termination step.

b) In any homopolymer there is only one type of monomeric unit will exists,

we can calculate the average number of monomers in a polymer with the below formula

Xn = Mn / Mo , where Mn is the number average molecular weight and Mo is the molecular weight of monomer unit.

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