A new chain transfer reaction in the anionic polymerization of 2,3‐epoxypropyl phenyl ether and other oxiranes

Carbonyl groups were found to be present in polymers of 2,3‐epoxypropyl phenyl ether obtained by anionic polymerization. On the basis of quantitative analyses these groups were assumed to be formed in a reaction involving chain transfer to the monomer which proceeds in a manner different from that reported in the literature. Results of the present study were compared with those referring to the polymerization of methyloxirane, phenyloxirane and some chlorophenyl 2,3‐epoxypropyl ethers.