Free-radical generation, peroxide

Because of their saturated structure, EPM rubbers cannot be vulcanized by using accelerated sulfur systems, and the less convenient vulcanization with free-radical generators (peroxide) is required. In contrast, EPDM rubbers are produced by polymerizing ethylene and propylene with a small amount (3-8%) of a diene monomer, which provides a cross-bnk site for accelerated vulcanization with sulfur. 

CycJohexyl free radicals, generated by photolysis of t-butyl peroxide in excess cyclohexane, also possess nucleophilic character (410). Their attack on thiazole in neutral medium leads to an increase of the 2-isomer and a decrease of 5-isomer relative to the phenylation reaction, in agreement with the positive charge of the 2-position and the negative charge of the 5-position (6). 

Polymerization using oxygen is not well understood it is known that oxygen copolymerizes with ethylene to form peroxidic copolymers (10). Other free-radical generators such as azo compounds and carbon—carbon compounds have found only limited use in the synthesis of LDPE. 

An alternative approach to stationary phase immobilization, and the most popular method in contemporary practice, is the free radical crosslinking of the polymer chains, using peroxides [201,202,245-248], azo-oospounds [202,249-251], ozone [252], or gamma radiation [253-255] as free radical generators. In this case, crosslinking occurs through the formation of (Si-C-C-Sl) bonds as shown below ... 

Finally, the use of stable free radical polymerization techniques in supercritical C02 represents an exciting new topic of research. Work in this area by Odell and Hamer involves the use of reversibly terminating stable free radicals generated by systems such as benzoyl peroxide or AIBN and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-l-piperidinyloxy free radical (TEMPO) [94], In these experiments, styrene was polymerized at a temperature of 125 °C and a pressure of 240-275 bar C02. When the concentration of monomer was low (10% by volume) the low conversion of PS which was produced had a Mn of about 3000 g/mol and a narrow MWD (PDI < 1.3). NMR analysis showed that the precipitated PS chains are primarily TEMPO capped, and the polymer could be isolated and then subsequently extended by the addition of more styrene under an inert argon blanket. The authors also demonstrated that the chains could be extended... 

Ketones play an important role in the decomposition of peroxides to form radicals in alcohols undergoing oxidation. The formed hydroxyhydroperoxide decomposes to form radicals more rapidly than hydrogen peroxide. With an increase in the ketone concentration, there is an increase in the proportion of peroxide in the form of hydroxyhydroperoxide, with the corresponding increase in the rate of formation of radicals. This was proved by the acceptor radical method in the cyclohexanol-cyclohexanone-hydrogen peroxide system [59], The equilibrium constant was found to be K — 0.10 L mol 1 (373 K), 0.11 L mol 1 (383 K), and 0.12 L mol 1 (393 K). The rate constant of free radical generation results in the formation of cyclohexylhydroxy hydroperoxide decomposition and was found to be ki = 2.2 x 104 exp(—67.8/7 7) s 1 [59]. 

The regeneration of nitroxyl radical from the product of the reaction of nitroxyl radical with the alkyl macroradical was proved in the following experiments [51]. The nitroxyl radical and initiator (dicumyl peroxide) were introduced in a PP powder and this sample was heated to T= 387 K in an argon atmosphere. The concentration of nitroxyl radical was monitored by the EPR technique. The nitroxyl radical was consumed in PP with the rate of free radical generation by the initiator (see Figure 19.3). Dioxygen was introduced in the reactor after the nitroxyl radical was consumed. The generation of peroxyl radicals induced the formation of nitroxyl radicals from the adduct of the nitroxyl radical with the PP macroradical. 

Redox reactions involving nitric oxide have important implications beyond their fundamental chemistry as demonstrated by the controversy in the biomedical literature regarding conditions under which generation of NO leads to the amelioration or the exacerbation of oxidative stress in mammalian systems (95). Oxidative stress is defined as a disturbance in the balance between production of reactive oxygen species (pro-oxidants) and antioxidant defenses (96). Reactive oxygen species include free radicals and peroxides as well as other reactants such as oxidative enzymes with metal ion sites in high oxidation states. The... 

XOR is a cytoplasmic enzyme and a ready source of electrons for transfer to molecular oxygen to form reactive oxygen species such as superoxide and peroxide. It is therefore thought to be involved in free radical-generated tissue injury and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion damage. Moreover, it has recently been implicated in the production of peroxynitrite (89), and carbonate radical anion (92), both potent biological oxidants. Its exact role in lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and infection needs... 

Also autooxidation or auto-oxidation. A slow, easily initiated, self-catalyzed reaction, generally by a free-radical mechanism, between a substance and atmospheric oxygen. Initiators of autoxidation include heat, light, catalysts such as metals, and free-radical generators. Davies (1961) defines autoxidation as interaction of a substance with molecular oxygen below 120°C without flame. Possible consequences of autoxidation include pressure buildup by gas evolution, autoignition by heat generation with inadequate heat dissipation, and the formation of peroxides. 

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