Question

Free radical polymerisation requires a free radical initiator. The most commonly used free radical initiator is:

• A. $Ph-CO-O-O-CO-Ph,$ benzoylperoxide
• B. $(C{H}_3{)}_{3}C-O-O-C(C{H}_3{)}_3$, tert - butyl peroxide
• C.
• D. $C{H}_2{N}_2$, diazomethane

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

$(C{H}_3{)}_{3}C-O-O-C(C{H}_3{)}_3$, tert - butyl peroxide

In a free radical addition polymerization, the choice of polymerization initiator depends mainly on two factors:
a) Solubility and b) Decomposition temperature.
If the polymerization is performed in an organic solvent, then the initiator should be soluble in that solvent and the decomposition temperature of the initiator must be at or below the boiling point of the solvent.
Examples : Benzoyl peroxide, acetyl peroxide, tert-butyl peroxide.