Initial Stages of the Chlorine Atom Induced Polymerization of Acetylene

Abstract

The initial stages of the chlorine atom induced polymerization of acetylene have been investigated. The photolysis of phosgene was used as a source of chlorine atoms. The following main reaction products were observed: carbon monoxide, vinyl chloride, 1‐chloro‐1,3‐butadiene, benzene, and polymer. Small to trace amounts of monochloroacetylene and monochlorobenzene were also detected. A qualitative examination of the formation and distribution of these products indicates that they are formed in the initial stages of the chlorine atom initiated polymerization of acetylene. The data are compared with those obtained in other free radical induced polymerization reactions of acetylene.