AbstractThe kinetics of the polymerization of phthalic anhydride with ethylene carbonate to give poly(ethylene phthalate) were studied to elucidate the reaction mechanism. Zero‐order kinetics were observed to varying degrees of reaction depending upon reaction temperature. Although no clear‐cut overall reaction order could be established, previously proposed mechanisms involving decomposition of the carbonate as the first step of the reaction were ruled out. The chain propagation step was on the order of or faster than the initiation step of the reaction. Virtually no ether–glycol species were formed during the polymerization. A new mechanism was proposed for the polymeriz
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