Initial processes in the cationic homo and copolyierization of trioxane

Abstract
1H NMR in situ studies of the initial processes involved in the cationic bulk homo‐ and copolymerization of trioxane indicate that the historically termed “induction period” has a kinetic rather than thermodynamic origin. The generation of cyclic acetals takes place through a process kinetically equivalent to insertion rather than back‐biting. The roles played by H2O, formaldehyde, tetraoxane and trioxepane have been further clarified.