Study on the initiation step of 2-(9-carbazolyl)ethyl glycidyl ether polymerization by K−, K+ (15-crown-5)2

Several reactions occur during the initiation of 2-(9-carbazolyl)ethyl glycidyl ether polymerization by K−, K+ (15-crown-5)2. At first the oxirane ring is opened mainly in the β-position. An organometallic intermediate obtained cleaved then the linear ether bond in the substituent and the cyclic one in crown ether. Various potassium alkoxides are finally formed. They are the real initiators of the polymerization. 9-Vinylcarbazole being another reaction product is inactive in this process.