Hydrophobic polyelectrolytes and polysoaps. Ionization of weakly basic groups and conformation in aqueous solution of some derivatives of poly(4-vinyl pyridine)

Two different types of cationic polysoaps were prepared in order to study the ionization equilibria of weakly basic groups incorporated in such polymers. A major concern in this work has been an exploration of the effect of temperature on the intrinsic basicity of the ionizable groups, a question of considerable relevance, for example, in the development of thermally regenerable ion exchange resins. The results lead to models that should be helpful in elucidating trends in the basicity of functional groups in polyelectrolytes incorporating hydrophobic residues. A basic resin with greatly enhanced thermal effect has been prepared which provides support for present models of the hydrophobic effect.