Polymerization of vinyl monomers initiated by chromic acid-glycerol redox system

Polymerization of vinyl monomers initiated by chromic acid-reducing agent (glycerol, sorbitol and mannitol) systems was studied at 35-45°C in perchloric acid medium. Chromic acid alone did not initiate polymerization. On the basis of the experimental results embodying the dependences of various variables on the rate of polymerization R and the rate of chromium(VI) disappearance -RCr, a reasonable kinetic scheme has been suggested. The order of the reactivity of different polyhydroxy alcohols is: glycerol > sorbitol > mannitol. The scheme is consistent with linear termination and the formation of a radical intermediate resulting from the oxidation of the reducing agent by Cr(VI)