Tetrakis (Triphenyl Phosphite) Nickel (0) as an Initiator of Polymerization at Room Temperature

Abstract

ORGANO-METALLIC compounds in which the metal is in a low (preferably zero) oxidation state, in the presence of a suitable organic halide, can initiate the free-radical polymerization of vinyl monomers¹. The metal carbonyls and their derivatives, and the hexaphenylisocyano² complexes of group VI metals have been most studied from this point of view. Recently we have studied the compound tetrakis (triphenyl phosphite) nickel (0) (TTPN), described in the literature earlier this year³; our observations on this material, which shows unusually high activity as an initiator, are reported here. From a practical point of view this derivative has the advantage of possessing a comparatively high stability in the solid state (it melts fairly sharply at 146° C)—an unusual attribute for a material which is an effective initiator at room temperature.