Anionic chain polymerization activation parameters

As in the case of cationic polymerization, the presence of a metal atom can drastically change the electronic parameters of ring opening. In other words, the counterion may play the role of a symmetry switch , i.e. it can induce the reversion of stereospecificity of the active center. The possibility of anionic chain propagation on contact ion pairs via on intermediate stage of the formation of monomer-separated ion pairs was considered by Erusalimsky as far back as 1970 [61]. However, even 20 years later the author of the present paper does not attempt to discuss this problem in detail. 

The parameter q gives the probability that the active end of the propagating chain adds another monomer to the growing chain. For free-radical vinyl polymerizations, q attains values close to 1 (usual values are larger than 0.99). However, for some nonliving anionic or cationic polymerizations, such as the cationic polymerization of epoxy groups, values of q may be lower. 

Depending on the nature of the active center, chain-growth reactions are subdivided into radicalic, ionic (anionic, cationic), or transition-metal mediated (coordinative, insertion) polymerizations. Accordingly, they can be induced by different initiators or catalysts. Whether a monomer polymerizes via any of these chain-growth reactions - radical, ionic, coordinative - depends on its constitution and substitution pattern. Also, external parameters like solvent, temperature, and pressure may also have an effect. Monomers able to grow in chain-growth polymerizations are listed in Table 2.2 of Sect. 2.1.4. 

In spite of the living character of the anionic polymerization of PL, it was revealed that in the case of p-substituted p-lactones or medium-size cyclic esters (LA and CL) this process suffers from various side reactions such as chain transfer to monomer, racemization, segment exchange, or formation of macrocydic esters. " Finally, it has been concluded that in the so-called coordination-insertion (pseudoanionic) polymerization, initiated with covalent metal alkoxides (R MtOR c. where Mt is Zn, Al, Sn, Ti, etc.), these side reactions can be kinetically suppressed or even eliminated. Correlation of the selectivity parameters, defined as the ratio of rate constants of propagation and transfer (fep/fetr). with the reactivity of active species (fep) showed that these polymerizing systems conform to the reactivity-selectivity principle. ... 

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