Cathodic polymerization of maleic anhydride with N‐methylpyridinium iodide

The electrochemical homopolymerization of maleic anhydride was investigated at constant electric current in a divided cell. The polymer yield depended markedly on the quantity of current passed through the solution, polymerization time, and on the nature of supporting electrolytes and solvents. The visible spectra of electrolysed solutions and the IR spectra of poly(maleic anhydride) were measured. The polarographic measurements revealed that N‐methylpyridinium iodide, employed as supporting electrolyte for the polymerization of maleic anhydride, was reduced at a smaller cathodic voltage than maleic anhydride. Under the given reaction conditions the electrolytic reduction products of the salt might have initiated the polymerization. An anionic polymerization mechanism is assumed.