U.S.-Germany Cooperative Research on Polar Diradicals in Cycloaddition and Polymerization Reactions, using Electron- Spin Resonance

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9224127 Hall This award supports Professor H. K. Hall, Jr. and two postdoctoral research associates from the University of Arizona to collaborate in polymer chemistry research with Dr. H. G. Korth and Professor R. Sustmann of the Institute for Organic Chemistry of the University of Essen, Germany. They are interested in the mechanism of initiation of spontaneous polymerizations that occur when electron-rich and electron-poor olefins are mixed. Theoretical work and kinetic studies on polymers by the U.S. group suggest that there is an intermediate form which may be a diradical. This in turn initiates the formation of bonds and produces the polymer. The missing link to confirm the theory is the direct observation of the initiating diradicals; this would be possible with electron-spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The German participants in the project contribute substantial expertise in ESR that will make it possible to observe and identify these elusive diradical species. This research addresses a fundamental question in polymers research. The U.S. investigator has made important and ground-breaking contributions toward understanding what initiates certain types of polymerization reactions. The proposed collaboration with German investigators will produce new information on this complex process and enhance his productive and innovative research program. ***