Fig. 3: Mechanistic studies.
From: Cyano-functionalized polyethylenes from ethylene/acrylamide copolymerization
a Proposed mechanistic pathway for the formation of nitrile group in E/AM copolymerization, including the catalytic cycle and the amidate conversion to nitrile. Note that the possible structure of AM reaction with DEAC is based on literature and DFT (vide infra). b Control experiments with and without catalyst in the absence of ethylene. c Control experiment with saturated amide instead of acrylamide monomer. d Proposed catalytic pathway for Ni mediated amidate conversion to nitrile.
