THERMOLYSIS OF ALTERNATING ETHYLENE CARBON-MONOXIDE COPOLYMER

Alternating ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer was thermolyzed by flash pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry and the pyrolyzates identified. Main chain scission produces four to ten times more [GRAPHICS] than [GRAPHICS] Intramolecular H-shifts produce the vinyl alkyl ketone series; intermolecular H abstraction forms crosslinks; intramolecular cyclization and dehydration leaves 20-30% carbonaceous residues. The alternating copolymer is stable up to 325-degrees-C; the activation energy for thermolysis increases with the extent of the degradation due to crosslinking and aromatization.