LAUSR

Continuous rapid-flow electron spin resonance (ESR) was used to detect poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-derived carbon-centered radicals, in order to characterize the short-lived intermediate radicals in the initial stage of the graft polymerization of PVA. ESR spectra were recorded by mixing PVA, hydrogen peroxide, and Ti2(SO4)3 at pH 2.0. The observed spectrum indicated three paramagnetic species: a minor species A, and two major species B1, and B2. Based on the observed proton hyperfine coupling constant (hfcc) values, species A was assigned to the carbon-centered radical of PVA produced by hydrogen atom abstraction from the methine carbon bearing a hydroxyl group. Species B1 and B2 were ascribed to two structural isomers of the PVA-derived, carbonyl-conjugated radical produced by acid-catalyzed radical reaction at the vicinal diol moiety (i.e., head-to-head structure) of PVA. Spin-trapping ESR measurements were performed at 80 °C using a water-soluble spin-trapping reagent 3,5-dibromo-4-nitroso-benzenesulfon...