Mechanistic studies of hydroquinone-promoted charge-transfer polymerization of styrene and alkyl methacrylates

The role of hydroquinone (HQ) on the charge-transfer (CT) polymerization of styrene and alkyl methacrylates is studied in detail. Even though there are several reports on the mechanism of CT polymerization, no where the mechanism of HQ-promoted CT system is addressed. Hence, in the present investigation HQ is employed, which enhanced the polymer yields. It has been found that polymer yields increase with HQ concentration and decreases after certain limit. These trends are suitably explained by a plausible mechanism and the evidence for the mechanism is discussed.