Q30E - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

What is the structure of the polymer produced by the anionic polymerization of $\mathbf{\beta }$  -propiolactone using   $\mathbf{NaOH}$ as catalyst?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Step 1: β -propiolactone uses

There are various uses of beta –propiolactone they are as follows;

$\mathbf{\beta }$ -propiolactone is used in the vaccination. Also for the surgical instruments and enzymes as a sterilant of blood plasma,water, and milk.

Step 2: Preparation of β -propiolactone

In this reaction  $\text{NaOH}$ act as a base so that  ${}^{\text{-}}\text{OH}$ attack the carbon next to oxygen so that ring gets open and we get the polymer beta propiolactone.

The mechanism of the reaction is as follows;