Olefinic unsaturation of styrenated linseed oils

Abstract The olefinic unsaturation of styrenated linseed oils has been determined by quantitative ozonolysis. Products obtained by reaction of gaseous styrene with linseed oil under various conditions have been examined and are characterized by means of a diagram in which the relative decrease in unsaturation is plotted against the relative decrease in saponification value. From the data obtained it can be concluded that two types of reactions are mainly responsible for the conversion of styrene, viz. the formation of styrene polymers and copolymerization involving the double bonds of the fatty‐acid residues. Copolymerization of linseed oil with styrene does not take place to an appreciable extent at temperatures below 200°. At 280°, however, practically no high‐molecular‐weight polystyrene is formed and the take‐up of styrene is mainly due to copolymerization.