Which of the following alkenes is most reactive towards cationic polymerization?

Question

Which of the following alkenes is most reactive towards cationic polymerization? (A)  CH2=CHCH3  (B)  H2C=CHCl  (C)  H2C=CHC6H5  (D)  H2C=CHCO2CH3

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

In cationic polymerization, carbocations are formed. Greater the stability of the carbocation, more reactive is the alkene. Since, the stability of the intermediate carbocation follows the order CH3- overset+ mathopC HC6H5>CH3- overset+ mathopC HCH3> CH3- overset+ mathopC H-Cl>CH3- overset+ mathopC HCO2CH3 Therefore, reactivity decreases in the same order. Thus, styrene is most reactive.

Q. Which of the following alkenes is most reactive towards cationic polymerization?

$C H_{2} = C H C H_{3}$

$H_{2} C = C H Cl$

$H_{2} C = C H C_{6} H_{5}$

$H_{2} C = C H C O_{2} C H_{3}$

Q. Which of the following alkenes is most reactive towards cationic polymerization?

CH2​=CHCH3​

H2​C=CHCl

H2​C=CHC6​H5​

H2​C=CHCO2​CH3​

$C H_{2} = C H C H_{3}$

$H_{2} C = C H Cl$

$H_{2} C = C H C_{6} H_{5}$

$H_{2} C = C H C O_{2} C H_{3}$