JEE Main · ChemistryHard

Consider the anionic polymerization of initiated by in a non-polar solvent. Which of the following statements regarding the kinetics and mechanism is correct?

  1. A.The rate of polymerization is independent of the initiator concentration.
  2. B.The polymerization proceeds via a living mechanism with no inherent termination step.
  3. C.The rate of propagation is directly proportional to the square root of the initiator concentration.
  4. D.The reaction is characterized by a rapid termination step involving radical coupling.
Show correct answer & step-by-step solution

Correct answer: BThe polymerization proceeds via a living mechanism with no inherent termination step.

Solution

  1. The initiation involves the nucleophilic attack of on the vinyl group of styrene.
  2. In non-polar solvents, the active species exists as an ion pair or aggregate.
  3. Since there is no inherent termination or chain transfer mechanism in the absence of impurities, the chain ends remain active.
  4. This defines the process as a living polymerization.
  5. Hence the answer is (B).

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