Preparation and polymerization of vinyl 12‐hydroxystearate

Abstract Vinyl 12‐hydroxystearate was prepared from 12‐hydroxystearic acid by vinyl interchange procedure with vinyl acetate. In the reaction, no products having a free hydroxyl group were obtained. The main addition product had the 1‐alkoxyethyl acetate structure. Vinyl 12‐hydroxystearate was obtained by the treatment of this addition product with acid washed activated alumina in ether solution. Vinyl 12‐hydroxystearate polymerized in an emulsion system at a pH of 7–8.5 with standard free radical initiation to give a colorless solid polymer (softening range was 71–75°C.). Vinyl 12‐hydroxystearate was copolymerized with vinyl acetate, vinyl stearate and vinyl chloride and the copolymers thus obtained have been characterized.