PROPERTIES OF NUCLEAR BROMINATED STYRENES .I. SYNTHESIS AND POLYMERIZATION OF DIBROMOSTYRENE AND TRIBROMOSTYRENE

Mixtures of 2,4- and 3,4-dibromostyrene have been prepared by two synthetic routes. The rate of polymerization observed in the absence of solvents and chain transfer agents showed a marked acceleration from very low conversion, and insoluble polymer was obtained. The acceleration in rate of the bulk polymerization has been attributed to a Trommsdorf effect, and the formation of insoluble polymer to crosslinking by chain transfer to monomer and polymer. The new monomer 2,4,5-tribromostyrene has also been prepared and characterized. The following order of rates of thermal polymerization has been established in solution:. 2,4,5-tribromostyrene > 2,4- and 3,4-dibromostyrene ≫ styrene. An insoluble polymer was also obtained from the bulk thermal polymerization of 2,4,5-tribomostyrene. © 1969.