Guide to Properties of Polymerization Initiators

Two general classes of azo-compound will be considered in this section, the dialkyldiazenes (15) (3.3.1.1) and the dialkyl hyponitrites (16) (3.3.1.2). 

Polymeric azo-compounds and multifunctional initiators with azo-linkages are discussed elsewhere (see 3.3.3 and 7.6.1) as are azo compounds, which find use as iniferters (see 9.3.4). 

The kinetics and mechanism of the thermal and photochemical decomposition of dialkyldiazenes (15) have been comprehensively reviewed by Engel. The use of these compounds as initiators of radical polymerization has been covered by Moad and Solomon2 and Sheppard.50 The general chemistry of azo-compounds has also been reviewed by Koga et cr/./11 Koenig,3 and Smith.3J 

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