Investigation of the formation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with model molecules: Kinetics and mechanisms of the catalytic esterification and alcoholysis reactions. II. Catalysis by metallic derivatives (monofunctional reactants)

The reactions of model molecules were considered to study the kinetics and the mechanism of the esterification and the alcoholysis reactions catalyzed by various metal compounds (Li, Na, K, Zn, Co, Mn, Ti). Ti was found to be the most active catalyst for both reactions and to be acting via a different mechanism (concerted). The possible structure of the active titanium intermediate was investigated by means of 1 H‐ and 13 C‐NMR spectroscopy, FT–IR spectroscopy, and electroconductivity.