Ketone bisulfites as reducing agent for free radical polymerization

摘要

This invention relates to an improvement in a process for producing a latex containing dispersed polymer. The improvement in the process for polymerizing a reaction mixture of vinyl monomer, stabilizer, oxidizing agent and reducing agent comprises using a water-soluble ketone bisulfite as the reducing agent, either alone or with other reducing agents, the ketone having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms in the structure. During the polymerization, the ketone bisulfite is maintained in stoichiometric excess of the oxidizing agent. Vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers are some of the preferred polymer systems produced.