Narrow molecular weight distribution poly(styrenesulfonic acid). Part I. Preparation, solution properties, and phase separation

A method is described for the conversion of polystyrene to poly(styrenesulfonic acid) without change in the molecular weight distribution; the reaction is performed at room temperature in 100% H2SO4 and uses Ag+ catalyst. The resulting polyelectrolyte has solubility and other characteristics significantly different from those of previously investigated poly(vinylsulfonic acid). This permits a study of the influence of the aromatic group on the local and long range interactions in solution. The barium salt of poly(styrenesulfonic acid) is unusual in showing both upper and lower consolute temperatures in solution.