Anionic copolymerization of acrolein with aldehydes. III

Unsaturated polyacetals have been prepared by anionic copolymerization of acrolein with aldehydes, such as, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, isobutylaldehyde, pivaldehyde, and benzaldehyde. The new copolymers have essentially an acetal structure as the result of the acrolein preference to copolymerize through the carbonyl group when alcaline cyanides are used as catalysts. The influence of temperature, nature of the aldehyde and monomer composition on the molecular size, polymerization rate, and composition and structure of the copolymer are studied. These copolymers undergo cross-linking when exposed simultaneously to oxygen and light. The variables affecting the oxidation process and the products obtained were studied.