Reed reaction

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The Reed reaction is a

chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), which is noted for its toughness.[1]

Commercial implementations

The Reed reaction
The Reed reaction

Polyethylene is treated with a mixture of chlorine and sulfur dioxide under UV-radiation. Vinylsulfonic acid can also be prepared beginning with the sulfochlorination of chloroethane. Dehydrohalogenation of the product gives vinylsulfonyl chloride, which subsequently is hydrolyzed to give vinylsulfonic acid:

ClCH2CH3 + SO2 + Cl2 → ClCH2CH2SO2Cl + HCl
ClCH2CH2SO2Cl → H2C=CHSO2Cl + HCl
CH2=CHSO2Cl + H2O → H2C=CHSO3H + HCl

Mechanism

The reaction occurs via a

free radical mechanism. UV-light initiates homolysis of chlorine
, producing a pair of chlorine atoms:

Chain initiation:

Thereafter a chlorine atom attacks the hydrocarbon chain, freeing hydrogen to form

attacks another chlorine molecule to produce the desired sulfonyl chloride and a new chlorine atom, which continues the reaction chain. Chain propagation steps:

See also

Historical readings

References