Polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by the redox system Mn3/thioglycollic acid

Abstract

The kinetics of aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by the redox system Mn3+–thioglycollic acid was studied in sulfuric acid in the temperature range of 35–50°C, and the rates of polymerization Rp and Mn3+ disappearance, etc., were measured. The effect of certain water-miscible organic solvents, neutral electrolytes, and complexing agents on the rates of polymerization has been investigated. A mechanism involving the formation of a complex between Mn3+ and thioglycollic acid whose decomposition yields the initiating free radical with the polymerization being terminated by the metal ion has been suggested.