Synthesis and free radical polymerization of p‐methylseleno‐ and p‐phenylselenostyrenes

Abstract p ‐Methylselenostyrene ( 1 ) and p ‐phenylselenostyrene ( 2 ) as selenium‐containing vinyl monomers were prepared. Both monomers are readily polymerized free radically to afford the corresponding polymers having molecular weight of about 20 000 ∼ 150 000. These homopolymers are stable below 300°C. From the copolymerization with styrene, Q values of 1 and 2 were calculated to be 1,18 and 1,03, respectively. On the other hand, e values of these monomers are −0,24 and −0,04, respectively, indicating the electron withdrawing character of the seleno groups.