A solution of styrene (1.5 M) in THF is polymerized at 25oC by sodium naphthalene at a concentration of 3.2x10-5 M. Calculate the initial polymerization rate and the average degree of polymerization at the completion of the reaction. What fractions of the polymerization rate are due to free ions and contact ion pairs, respectively

the initial polymerization rate

fraction of polymerization rate that is due to free ions = 0.982    

fraction of polymerization rate due to contact ion pairs = 0.0176

the average degree of polymerization at the completion of the reaction.    =

Explanation:

From the table of Polymerization of tetrahydrofuran below; we obtain the following data for Na⁺ counterion

Sodium Naphthalene = 3.2 × 10⁻⁵  M

Concentration of styrene solution = 1.5 M

Now;

Therefore; the initial polymerization rate

Fraction of polymerization rate due to free ions :

= 0.982    

Fraction of polymerization rate due to contact ion pairs .

=

= 0.0176

the average degree of polymerization at the completion of the reaction is :

=