Copolymerization of styrene with Zn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) acrylates

The radical copolymerization of styrene with Zn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) acrylates in methanol at 60°C was studied and that of styrene with Cu(II) acrylate also in acetonitrile at 80°C. In a given period of time an increase of conversion was observed with increasing concentration of the first three metal acrylates in mixtures with styrene. With Cu(II) acrylate, however, a decrease of conversion was found. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined as follows: r_St = 1,10, r = 0,90; r_St = 1,74, r = 0,56; r_St = 1,83, r = 0,53; r_St = 5,94, r = 0,12 (in acetonitrile). The products of the reactivity ratios, almost equal to one, reflect an “ideal” copolymerization and therefore a very little alternating tendency in propagation reactions. The Alfrey-Price Q-e parameters for the metal acrylates were calculated and discussed.