Probability of cyclopolymerization

Abstract
A statistical approach to the mechanistic problem of cyclopolymerization was taken. The model for this calculation was based on a stepwise mechanism for polymerization of 1,6‐dienes. The assumption was made that a reaction site was formed at the second carbon of the chain C2, and the probability of C7 being in a volume element surrounding this position was calculated. The results, which indicate that on a statistical basis only, monomer concentrations must be reduced to 95% cyclization, were compared with numerous experimental results in which 95–100% cyclization was obtained at monomer concentrations of 1.9–8.0 mole/l.