Development of a catalyst for solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) in non-aqueous medium

Chloro ethane dimethyl sulfoxide, C2H5Cl center dot DMSO (ECl center dot DMSO) was prepared by interaction of acrylic acid with conc. Hydrochloric acid in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and subsequent decarboxylation with H2O2 solution. The formation of the compound was confirmed by spectral and analytical methods; the molecular weight was determined by cryoscopic method. The solubility of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in different solvents or mixed solvents at 40 degrees C, 50 degrees C and 60 degrees C temperature in the presence of 0.01% of ECl center dot DMSO was determined. It turned out that ECl center dot DMSO helps dissolution of PVA, and is very effective catalyst in the preparation of esters and acetals of PVA.