Some observations on the application of generalized copolymerization equations to several systems involving highly polar monomers

A generalized theory of copolymerization, including the significant effects of monomer units at any distance from the growing chain ending on the competitive addition of monomers has been recently published. The equations presented at that time are extended to cover various specific copolymerizations involving as one of the reactants a highly polar monomer such as maleic anhydride. Use of these expanded equations led to much improved correlation between experimental data and theoretical predictions. Pertinent reactivity ratios weighing the contributions of units nearby and at considerable distances from the growing chain endings were calculated from the data for the copolymer systems: styrene–maleic anhydride, methyl methacrylate–fumaronitrile, vinyl chloride–maleic anhydride, vinyl acetate–maleic anhydride, and isopropenyl acetate–maleic anhydride.