To a flask containing 200 gm of benzene is added 1.0 gm of aluminum chloride. The mixture is stirred vigorously to suspend the catalyst and then the gradual addition of 200 gm (2.78 moles) of vinyl ether is begun. The reaction is exothermic, and when the temperature rises to 60°-80°C the addition is slowed so that only 1-2 gm of vinyl ethyl ether is added at one time. Polymerization is detected by the onset of turbidity and a slight brown color. When the brown color disappears, the next increment of vinyl ethyl ether is added. After the complete addition the reaction mixture is heated to 80°C. The benzene and volatiles are steam-distilled off, and the residue amounts to about 144 gm (72%) of a yellow balsamlike product.
Preparation of Poly(vinyl ethyl ether) Using Aluminum Chloride Catalyst
