Interaction of styrene with radical-anions and dianions of anthracene

Interaction of styrene S with anthracene radical-ion A–˙ and anthracene dianion A= was investigated. A labile intermediate adduct –AS– is formed either through electron transfer, A–˙+S⇌S–˙+A, followed by combination of A–˙ with S–˙, or by a direct addition, A=+S⇌–AS–. Electron transfer A=+S⇌S–˙+A–˙ does not take place. The intermediate reacts with styrene, giving –ASS– which rapidly combines with anthracene and yields the dormant oligomer –ASSA–. The latter slowly propagates further polymerization of styrene. Kinetic studies led to the determination of the following rate constants: [graphic omitted] and [graphic omitted]. The values are given in M–1 sec–1, and sec–1.