Poly(vinyl chloride) structural segments derived from azobis (isobutyronitrile).

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) prepared in 1,2-dichloroethane solution at 40C is shown to contain two types of nitrile structure derived from the polymerization initiator, azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN). These structures have been identified by comparing the C-13 NMR spectra of their Bu3SnH reduction products with those of appropriate models, whose synthesis is described. One of the nitrile moieties, an end group, results from the expected addition of the initiator radical, (CH3)2CCN, to monomer, followed by conventional chain propagation.