Thermal polymerization of methyl linolenate, alpha‐ and beta‐eleostearates

Summary The rates of polymerization of alpha and beta eleostearates agree with second order kinetics, as would be expected for a bimolecular Diels‐Alder addition. The all‐ trans , beta isomer reacts faster than the cis, trans, trans alpha isomer, in agreement with known cis, trans effects on diene activity. The polymerization of normal linoleate follows an apparent first order reaction. It is suggested that conjugation is the slow rate determining monomolecular reaction, as has been proposed for the non‐conjugated linoleate isomers.