End-Group Studies Using Dye Techniques

The end group in a macromolecule is a birth and death record stamped on the molecule itself. Generally the end group differs in composition from the main chain and constitutes a minute fraction of the macromolecule. Its quantitative determination demands ultra sensitive methods and the results are highly significant from the viewpoint of both theoretical and practical interests. The theoretical interests include: 1. Knowledge of the transient free-radical intermediates participating in the initiation reaction in radical polymerization vis -i-vis the chemistry of free radicals.2. Determination of the rate of initiation from the extent of in corporation of initiator fragment and rate of polymerization [1].3. Knowledge of the mode of termination reaction.4. Determination of degree of polymerization (DP) when the mode of termination is known.5. Elucidation of the chain-transfer process and the determination of the chain-transfer constant.