Oxidative Degradation of Polymers. V. Ozonization of Polypropylene and Polystyrene in Carbon Tetrachloride

The rates and products of ozonization of atactic polypropylene and polystyrene were studied in carbon tetrachloride at 30 and 70 °C. Atactic polypropylene underwent cleavage statistically by ozone to give oxygenated products. The molecular weight of polypropylene decreased with the progress of ozonization. Most chain ends of ozonized polypropylene were suggested to be carboxylic acids. Ozonization of polystyrene brought about crosslinking as well as chain scission, giving rise to broadening of molecular weight distribution. The major product from polystyrene was carboxylic acid.