Premium
The Reaction of Acrylonitrile with Macromolecular Hydroxy Substances I—A General Survey of the Reaction
Author(s) -
MacGregor J. H.
Publication year - 1951
Publication title -
journal of the society of dyers and colourists
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.297
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1478-4408
pISSN - 0037-9859
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-4408.1951.tb02704.x
Subject(s) - acrylonitrile , macromolecule , chemistry , polymer science , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , polymer , biochemistry , copolymer
The interaction of acrylonitrile with the reactive hydrogen atoms of the hydroxy groups of macro‐molecular organic substances such as cellulose, starch, and polyvinyl alcohol is described. It is shown that water‐insoluble (caustic alkali‐soluble), water‐soluble, and acetone‐soluble β‐cyanoethyl ethers are produced by modifying the molar amounts of acrylonitrile reacting with these macromolecular hydroxy substances. The properties of these partly and fully cyanoethylated ethers are reviewed and probable industrial applications suggested, with special reference to the textile field. The nature of the rather complex reactions which occur when acrylonitrile reacts with aqueous solutions of these high polymers in the presence of a caustic alkali as catalyst is discussed and explained. The stepwise course of the alkaline hydrolysis of the β‐cyanoethyl ethers is also described.