Suppose 35 g of benzoyl peroxide are introduced to 16 kg of vinyl chloride monomer. If 15% of the initiator groups are effective, calculate the expected degree of polymerization and the molecular weight of the polymer if a) all the termination reaction occurs by combination and b) all the termination occurs by disproportionation.

(a). 113.87009.

(b). 56.935045.

Explanation:

So, we have the following parameters or information given in the question above:

=> mass of benzoyl peroxide = 35 g, the mass of vinyl chloride monomer = 16 kg. Percentage of the initiator groups that are effective = 15% = 0.15.

So, we have calculate the expected degree of polymerization and the molecular weight of the polymer for each of the following conditions:

(a). When all the termination reaction occurs by combination:

We have; 1/ 1 - 0.17 = 1.205.

The molecular weight of vinyl chloride = 62.498 g/mol. Therefore, we have;

{(62.498 g/mol)÷ 2 }+ 16 = 47.249.

Therefore, the expected degree of polymerization and the molecular weight of the polymer When all the termination reaction occurs by combination = 2( 47.249 × 1.205).

= 113.87009.

(b). When all the termination occurs by disproportionation.

=> 47.249 × 1.205 = 56.935045.