Polymerization and Polymers of Itaconic Acid Derivatives. V. The Copolymerization Reactivity of Itaconic Acid in an Aqueous Solution

Abstract The copolymerization of itaconic acid with acrylonitrile has been carried out in aqueous solutions of three different pH values. From the composition data obtained, the monomer reactivity ratios and the Q-e values have been calculated. The results indicate that itaconic acid, when ionized to the second-step dissociated form, is able to copolymerize with other monomers, while it is almost completely unable to homopolymerize.