Polymerization of Acrylonitrile Initiated by the Thiourea-Mn3+Redox System

Abstract
Kinetics of vinyl polymerization initiated by the redox system thiourea-Mn3+ were investigated in the temperature range 30–40°C in sulfuric acid, and the rates of polymerization Rp and disappearance of Mn3+ have been measured. The effect of certain water-miscible organic solvents and anionic surfactant on the rates of polymerization was investigated. A mechanism involving the formation of a complex between Mn3+ and thiourea whose decomposition yields the initiating free radical with the polymerization terminated by mutual intraction of growing radicals is suggested.