The Polymerization of Propargyl Chloride Activated by Interaction with Poly(4-vinylpyridine)

Abstract The reaction between poly (4-vinylpyridine) and propargyl chloride was studied in methanol. It was shown that, independently of the ratio of reactants to each other, the end products of the reaction are polymers with conjugated bond systems formed by the opening of the propargyl triple bond which was activated by interaction with poly (4-vinylpyridine). It was shown that “normal” quarternization of poly (4-vinylpyridine) by propargyl chloride precedes accelerated polymerization of propargyl chloride which begins at 6 to 8% alkylation. It was established that the solution becomes structured before accelerated polymerization begins. A possible mechanism for this reaction has been proposed.