The polycondensation of benzyl chloride in the presence of Lewis acids

Abstract

A reaction scheme is proposed which accounts for the main kinetic characteristics of the polycondensation of benzyl chloride under the catalytic action of stannic chloride. The reaction scheme, which requires three consecutive and competing rate-determining steps, can account quantitatively for the induction period, the pseudo-first-order reaction period, the apparent inhibition of the reaction by high concentrations of catalyst, and the degree of polymerisation attained. The polycondensation of benzyl chloride in the presence of Bryce–Smith magnesium compounds has been studied, and evidence has been found which confirms that the true catalyst is produced as a results of reaction between alkylmagnesium and benzyl chloride.