NMR study of 9-anthranylmethyl hexafluorophosphate. Polymerization of styrene monomers†

The primary carbenium salt 9-anihranylmethyl hexafluorophosphate is characterized by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. The results show that in the temperature range −60°-15°C the initiator exists as a classical carbenium ion and a protonated anthracenium ion. At higher temperatures the reactions of self-alkylation and disproportionation proceed, giving bianthracenes, hydroanthracenes, and other dimer forms.

The polymerization of α-methylstyrene and p-methoxystyrene, initiated by 9-anthranylmethyl hexafluorophosphate, is investigated. The mechanism of initiation, the stereochemical configuration, and the end groups of the polymer chains are determined.