Question

The polymerization under radical conditions affords products A and B. Draw a mechanism that accounts for their formation.

Short answer

Answer

Mechanism of the reaction

Step-by-step solution

Buta-1,3-diene

Buta-1,3-diene is an organic compound made up of four carbons and consists of alternate double bonds.The polymerization of this compound has two possibilities of product formation:

1. Original structure (which repeats several times)
2. Branching

Formation of A

The initiation of the polymerization begins with the free radicals. The mechanism of formation of A is shown below.

Mechanism of formation of A

Formation of B

The same steps have to be followed for the formation of B. The mechanism is shown below.

Mechanism of formation of B