Question

Question: Draw the steps of the mechanism that converts vinyl chloride (CH₂CHCl) into poly(vinyl chloride).

Short answer

Answer

Step-by-step solution

Radical polymerization

Alkene monomers get subjected to polymerization by the incorporation of a radical to the pi bond, leading to the generation of polymers. Radical polymerization exhibits similarity to the radical addition of HBr to an alkene.

Mechanism of radical polymerization

Different steps like initiation, propagation, and termination happen in the process termed radical polymerization. The initiation steps lead to the formation of carbon radicals. A new C-C bond is generated in the propagation step. The radicals link to form a bond in the termination step.

Mechanism that converts vinyl chloride to poly(vinyl chloride)

Vinyl chloride can be converted to poly(vinyl chloride) using three steps. In the first step, peroxide undergoes hemolytic cleavage to form two alkoxy radicals. The second step is the propagation step, where another molecule of vinyl chloride is added. The last step is the termination, where the radicals combine to form a stable bond. This results in the formation of polyvinyl chloride.

The mechanism can be given as:

Mechanism that converts vinyl chloride to poly(vinyl chloride)