Free‐radical polymerization of vinylferrocene. II. Spectroscopic and physical properties

The spectroscopic and physical properties of poly(vinylferrocene) prepared by free‐radical polymerization in benzene are discussed. The results obtained in these studies are in accord with the kinetic analysis of the polymerization reactions in benzene. ESR spectroscopy shows that the polymer is paramagnetic and contains a species which is identified by Mössbauer spectroscopy as an ionically bound complex of Fe(III) in a high spin (3d5) configuration. The concentration of this species is shown to be dependent upon kinetic parameters. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that the polymer does not contain any oxidized ferromagnetic impurities. Infrared spectroscopy indicates that the polymer contains vinylidene groups. The presence of these groups is explained by chain transfer to monomer followed by reinitiation. Ultraviolet spectroscopy also suggests the presence of unsaturation in the polymer. Gel‐permeation chromatography indicates that poly(vinylferrocene) is branched even at low conversions. The effect of transfer reactions and the intramolecular electron transfer termination of the chain radical on the structure of poly(vinylferrocene) is discussed. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the polymer are also examined.