Effect of poly(ethylene oxide) on the kinetics of oxidative polymerization of aniline

Resumo

The kinetics of polymerization of aniline hydrochloride in aqueous poly(ethylene oxide) solution in the presence of ammonium persulfate have been studied. The order of the catalytic step has been found to change from first to second when the molecular weight of poly(ethylene oxide) reaches a certain value. Adsorption equilibrium is rapidly established between the monomer and its oxidation products which give rise to a new phase and exert a catalytic effect.