Bifunctional initiators: Synthesis, characterization, and initiator properties of azo-benzoin initiators

Two new azo-benzoin initiators were synthesized by the condensation of 4,4′-azo-bis-(4-cyanopentanoic acid chloride) (ACPC) with benzoin (B) and α-methylolbenzoin methyl ether. The initiator structures were confirmed by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The kinetics of the bulk polymerization of styrene initiated by the azo-benzoin initiator, obtained from ACPC and B, was investigated and the kinetic parameters evaluated. The initiation of polymerization of styrene by means of azo-benzoin initiators yields polymers with terminal photoactive benzoin groups.