Redox Polymerization of Acrylonitrile by V5 /Propane-1,2-diol System in Aqueous Sulfuric Acid

Abstract The kinetics of polymerization of acrylonitrile by the redox system V5+-propane-1, 2-diol in aqueous sulfuric acid at 40 to 50°C were studied. The rate of polymerization, V5+ disappearance, and chain lengths of polyacrylonitrile were measured. The kinetics are consistent with the formation of an intermediate complex between the diol and the oxidant whose decomposition leads to the initiating radical. A suitable kinetic scheme has been proposed and the various rate and energy parameters were evaluated.