| Abstract: | The effect of hydrogen chloride on the decomposition of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) has been studied and a mechanism for the autocatalysis is given. The chloride ion formed upon dissociation of the hydrogen chloride is a strong base in the medium of the reaction, and hence constitutes the active species. Therefore, the acceleration of the decomposition of PVC can be prevented by either removing the free acid from the system with the aid of an acid acceptor or adding a complexing agent such as ferric chloride. |
