Detailed microstructure and concentration of the chlorinated n-butyl branches in poly(vinyl chloride)

Summary The -¹³C NMR spectra of reductively dehalogenated samples of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) have provided conclusive evidence for the presence of 2,4-dichloron-butyl branches in the original polymer. These branches are contained in a-CHCl-CH₂-CCl(CH₂-CHCl-CH₂-CH₂Cl)-CH₂-CHCl-arrangement which is formed as the result of a radical backbiting reaction. For a series of polymers prepared in conventional ways at temperatures of 43 to 100 °C, the 2,4-dichloro-n-butyl branch concentration ranges from about 0.6 to 1.0/(1000 C).