Abstract
Two new azo-benzoin initiators were synthesized by the condensation of 4,4′-azo-bis-(4-cyanopentanoic acid chloride) (ACPC) with benzoin (B) and α-methylolbenzoin methyl ether. The initiator structures were confirmed by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The kinetics of the bulk polymerization of styrene initiated by the azo benzoin initiator, obtained from ACPC and B, was investigated and the kinetic parameters evaluated. The initiation of polymerization of styrene by means of azo-benzoin initiators yields polymers with terminal photoactive benzoin groups.