| Abstract: | The asymmetric-selection polymerization of styrene oxide was investigated by using diethylzinc/menthol system as catalyst. Monomer consumption was found to follow a second order kinetic, whereas developing of the optical rotation of the remaining monomer followed a first order reaction scheme. This phenomenon is accounted for by the assumption that the polymerization consists of rapid initiation followed by slow stepwise growth. Two moles of monomer participate in the polymerization, one of which is polymerized and the other is responsible for activation of the catalyst. The asymmetric ability of the catalyst is arising from the menthoxyl group but not from propylene oxide complexed to the catalyst. |
