Epoxyethane, polymerization

Epoxides such as epoxyethane (ethylene oxide) can be polymerized cationi-cally (e.g., with Lewis acids) and anionically (e.g., with alcoholates or organome-tallic compounds). 

The polymerization of ethylene oxide (epoxyethane, EO) with 17 also proceeded by irradiation with visible light. For example, the polymerization with the mole ratio [EO]o/[17]o of 190 in benzene at room temperature, where the monomer conversion after 205 min was very low (<2%, determined by H NMR) in the dark, proceeded to 97% conversion in only 80 min under irradiation. The Mn of the polymer, as estimated from the GPC chromatogram, was 8700, which is in excellent agreement with the expected value of 8100 provided that the numbers of the molecules of the produced polymer and 17 (X=SPr) are equal [81]. The Mw/Mn of the polymer (1.05) was close to unity, indicating the livingness of the visible Hght induced polymerization of EO initiated with (NMTPP)ZnSPr (17). 

PHENYL-l, 2-EPOXYETHANE (96-09-3) CgHjO Combustible polymerizable liquid (flash point 165°F/74°C 175°F/79°Ct Fire Rating 2). Violent reaction with strong oxidizers, nitric acid, sulfuric acid. Reacts with acids, alcohols, alkalis, bases, amines, amides, and inorganic hydroxides some salts, possibly causing explosive polymerization. Reacts with 4-(4 -nitrobenzyl)pyridine. On small fires, use dry chemical powder (such as Purple-K-Powder), Halon , or COj extinguishers. See also styrene. 

EPOXYETHANE (French) (75-21-8) Flammable gas (flash point -4°F/-20°C). Dangerously reactive may rearrange chemically and/or polymerize violently with evolution of heat, when in contact with highly active catalytic surfaces such as anhydrous chlorides of iron, tin, or aluminum, pure oxides of iron or aluminum, and alkali hydroxides. Even small amounts of strong acids, alkalis, oxidizers can cause a reaction. Explosive polymerization can occur on contact with amines, ammonia, metallic potassium, covalent halides. Violent... 

PHENYL-l,2-EPOXYETHANE (96-09-3) Combustible liquid (flash point 165°F/ 74°C). Violent reaction with strong oxidizers, nitric acid, sulfuric acid. Reacts with acids, alkalis, and some salts, possibly causing explosive polymerization. See also Styrene. 

Here is an example of the polymerization of epoxides To a CH2CI2 solution of Ic (1 mmol) under dry nitrogen are added 400 equivalents of epoxyethane (11, R=H) at room temperature ([lc]o = 16.7 mM), whereupon the polymerization immediately starts with heat evolution and is... 

Although alkali metal alcoholates are known to initiate living anionic polymerization of epoxyethane (11, R = H), use of these conventional initiators for the polymerization of substituted epoxides results in the concomitant occurrence of side reactions with respect to the substituents.- With 11 (R = Me) as a monomer, a proton transfer from the methyl group of 11 (R = Me) to the growing alcoholate species occurs, to give a polymer having a hydroxyl ter-... 

Figure 2. Polymerization of epoxyethane (11, R = H) initiated with chloroaluminum tetraphenylporphyrin (1c) ([11]o/(1c]o = 400,...

Figure 3. Polymerization of epoxyethane (11, R = H) initiated with chloroaluminum tetraphenylporphyrin (1c) ([11]o/[1c]o = 400, [11]o = 16.7 mM) in CH2CI2 at room temperature. Relationship between molecular weight (Mn O), molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn ) and monomer conversion.

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