Rank the following monomers in order of increasing reactivity toward anionic polymerization (least reactive to most reactive).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Anionic polymerization involves the attack of a nucleophilic anion on a carbon-carbon double bond, resulting in the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond and a new anion. The reactivity of a monomer towards anionic polymerization depends on the stability of the anion that is formed. The more stable the anion, the more reactive the monomer. Based on this, the correct order of reactivity is I > IV > III > II. Monomer I has a carbocation stabilizing group (phenyl), which makes the anion more stable. Monomer IV has a delocalized negative charge, which also stabilizes the anion. Monomer III has a less stable anion due to the presence of a bulky tert-butyl group. Monomer II has a positively charged nitrogen, which destabilizes the anion, making it the least reactive towards anionic polymerization. Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it follows the order of monomers from least reactive to most reactive.

Rank the Following Monomers in Order of Increasing Reactivity Toward