Thermal polymerization of carbon suboxide in the post-induction period

Abstract

After the induction period, the thermal polymerization of C₃O₂ on a fused silica surface continues at a rate which is first order with respect to C₃O₂ monomer and first order with respect to the polymer, i.e., the reaction is autocatalytic. Rate constants are k= 1.67 × 10^–3(torr × h)^–1 at 25° and k= 3.28 × 10^–3(torr × h)^–1 at 45°, corresponding to an activation energy of 6.23 kcal/mole of monomer. From previous work it is judged that in the later stages of the polymerization the reaction is not autocatalytic and that its rate depends only on the C₃O₂ pressure.