CATIONIC POLYMERIZATION OF ALPHA-METHYLSTY-RENE IN THE PRESENCE OF LEWIS-ACID CATALYSTS

The polymerization of alpha-methylstyrene has been studied in the pres ence of catalytic systems consisting of a metal halide such as AlCl3 c omplexed with a protogene agent as ethanol or buthyl chloride, and of an aromatic solvent, e.g. toluene. The catalysts have been studied by UV spectra, gas chromatographic and conductimetric methods. The effici ency of the catalysts was evaluated on the basis of the obtained polym er yields and of the molecular weights for the given AlCl2 concentrati on (based on monomers).