The mechanism for anionic chain-growth polymerization involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In the initiation step, a nucleophilic anion, such as butyl lithium, initiates the polymerization process by attacking the π bond of the vinylic monomer. As a result, a carbanion, stabilized by the electron‐withdrawing group, is generated. The resulting carbanion acts as a Michael donor in the propagation step and attacks the second vinylic monomer, which acts as a Michael acceptor. Consequently, a dimer is formed that acts as a new carbanion. The propagation step repeats itself, thereby enabling the polymer chain to extend. The polymer chain continues to grow until a weak acid or an electrophile is added to terminate the polymerization process. Interestingly, in the absence of any terminating agents, the propagating chain’s end acts as a stabilized carbanion site, and the polymerization process continues uniformly as long as the monomers are available. Therefore, anionic polymers are often referred to as living polymers.
From Chapter 21:
Now Playing
Synthetic Polymers
1.8K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.5K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.0K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.3K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.7K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.2K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.3K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.1K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.0K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.1K Views
Synthetic Polymers
1.7K Views
Synthetic Polymers
1.8K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.0K Views
Synthetic Polymers
2.9K Views
Synthetic Polymers
3.1K Views
See More
ABOUT JoVE
Copyright © 2025 MyJoVE Corporation. All rights reserved