COMPLEXED COPOLYMERIZATION OF VINYL COMPOUNDS WITH ALKYLALUMINUM HALIDES

The monomer reactivity in the complexed copolymerization of vinyl compounds with alkyaluminum halides has been extensively surveyed. Equimolar copolymers were obtained in various combinations of monomers which are classified into two monomer groups, A and B. The group B monomers are conjugated vinyl compounds having nitrile or carbonyl groups in the conjugated position and form complexes with alkylaluminum halides. The group A monomers are donor monomers having low e values, such as olefins, haloolefins, dienes, and unsaturated esters. The Q-e scheme is also discussed in terms of the monomer reactivity. More than two monomers selected from groups A and B give multicomponent copolymers in which alternating sequential structures hold with respect to A and B. The complexed radical mechanism previously proposed is discussed in connection with the specific behavior observed.