Polymerization reactions of acrylonitrile on zeolite surfaces

Abstract

Infrared and mass spectral analyses are reported of the surface species generated when the adsorption complexes zeolite+acrylonitrile are heated. The evidence presented indicates that H₂O competes favourably for zeolitic adsorption sites with acrylonitrile. Infrared spectra suggest that a C₂ π-bonding interaction may be important in the adsorption of acrylonitrile. Heating adsorbed acrylonitrile appears to generate polyacrylonitrile products which may include a cyclic dimer. Extended heating results in the possible formation of conjugated nitrile species, polyenes and even more extensively carbonized products.