Influence of diosgenin structure on the polymerization kinetics of acrylamide: An experimental and theoretical approach

The acrylamide polymerization in presence of diosgenin has been investigated by experimental and theoretical methods. NMR spectroscopy shows the absence of copolymerization. Viscosimetric and dilatometric experiments support the occurrence of transfer reactions that retard the polymerization. The mechanism was studied at the MPWB1K/6-31G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. Transfer, homopropagation, copolymerization and reinitiation reactions were considered either in gas or solution phase. According to results, the retardation seems to be originated by the formation of an allylic radical in the ring B of diosgenin that reinitiates acrylamide polymerization at slow rate.