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Bromination, Elimination, and Polymerization: A 3-Step Sequence for the Preparation of Polystyrene from Ethylbenzene

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Elizabeth M. Sanford and Heather L. Hermann

Department of Chemistry, Hope College, Holland, MI 49422-9000

J. Chem. Educ., 2000, 77 (10), p 1343

DOI: 10.1021/ed077p1343

Publication Date (Web): October 1, 2000

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

An organic chemistry lab that introduces students to polymer chemistry is presented. Students complete a radical bromination of ethylbenzene, which is followed by elimination to give styrene. A radical polymerization is then completed to produce polystyrene. This 3-step, 2-lab-period experiment covers classic reactions learned in the first semester of organic chemistry and simultaneously introduces students to polymerization, precipitation, and molecular weight determination.

Keywords (Audience):

Second-Year Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Organic Chemistry

Keywords (Subject):

Free Radicals

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