Styrene dibromide as a photoinitiator in the polymerization of styrene
Abstract
The polymerization of styrene, photoinitiated with small amounts of (1,2-dibromoethyl)-benzene (styrene dibromide), has been studied at 30°C. Rates of initiation and of consumption of styrene have been estimated, and molecular weights have been determined by gel permeation chromatography. Equations have been developed which enable the calculation of ratios of rate constants; the β-bromostyryl radical adds less readily to styrene than does the polystyryl radical.