page_title: Cationic polymerization
section_title: Heterocyclic monomers
hierarchical_section_title: Cationic polymerization / Monomers / Heterocyclic monomers
caption_attribution_description: English: heterocyclic monomers for cationic polymerization
context_page_description: Cationic polymerization is a type of chain growth polymerization in which a cationic initiator transfers charge to a monomer which then becomes reactive. This reactive monomer goes on to react similarly with other monomers to form a polymer.
  The types of monomers necessary for cationic polymerization are limited to alkenes with electron-donating substituents and heterocycles. Similar to anionic polymerization reactions, cationic polymerization reactions are very sensitive to the type of solvent used. Specifically, the ability of a solvent to form free ions will dictate the reactivity of the propagating cationic chain.
  Cationic polymerization is used in the production of polyisobutylene and poly.
context_section_description: Heterocyclic monomers that are cationically polymerized are lactones, lactams and cyclic amines. Upon addition of an initiator, cyclic monomers go on to form linear polymers. The reactivity of heterocyclic monomers depends on their ring strain. Monomers with large ring strain, such as oxirane, are more reactive than 1,3-dioxepane which has considerably less ring strain. Rings that are six-membered and larger are less likely to polymerize due to lower ring strain.
caption: Examples of heterocyclic monomers
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