Molecular weights in acrylonitrile polymerization

The rates of polymerization of acrylonitrile at 25°C., initiated by azobisisobutyronitrile, have been measured, together with intrinsic viscosities of the polymer formed. Ratios have been derived for kinetic constants involving transfer to monomer, transfer to dimethyl formamide, propagation, and termination. Molecular weights were obtained using the recently confirmed relation: The results are consistent with the occurrence of radical termination by disproportionation, and an initiator efficiency of 55%.