AbstractThe vinyl polymerization reaction is a two‐molecule reaction. However, it is more convenient to use a specially defined rate constant than to use the general constant, because a new radical is formed instantaneously in the same radical compound when one monomer combines with an existing radical in a living polymer or an initiator radical. This special rate constant is named the propagation constant and is proportional to the concentration of monomer when the polymer is formed from a unit mole concentration of the initiator radical. The specific propagation constant is related to the concentration of monomers which react in unit time and unit concentration of monomer and radical. Arnett's experiments are discussed in terms of the equation formulated. The value of ΔM/(M0·t) is found not to be a reaction rate but a value of ln M0/M when M0– M is very small. Autoacceleration of the polymerization is found with high concentrations of monomer which yield an increase in the velocity of propagation and also at low concentrations of initiator, which cause prolongation of the propagation stage. When the concentration of initiator is high, this phenomenon does not take place until enough initiator is consumed and the necessary low initiator level is reached. The time required is called the induction period. The larger the polymer molecule is, the higher the viscosity be
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