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The similarity of frequency and behaviour of a band showing increased intensity on heating in the spectrum of polyvinyl acetate observed at 1126 cm−1 to one previously observed in polyvinyl alcohol at 1142 to 1146 cm−1 is described. Several vinyl polymers of similar structure and the behaviour of the band in a copolymer structure have also been examined.

Synthesis of α-(aminoalkyl) acrylates has proceeded along the conventional malonic ester route. The amino structure was protected by the use of phthalimido derivatives with subsequent removal of the phthalate moiety to produce the desired esters. Ethyl α-alkyl acrylates with phthalimido, phthalimidoethyl and phthalimidobutyl groups as the α-substituent were prepared together with the phthalimidoethoxyethyl derivative. The esters were prepared in substantial purity but with some difficulty owing to their ease of polymerisation. Infra-red spectra and polymerisability studies were carried out on the new α-phthalimidoalkyl acrylates and are presented here. Hydrolysis (with hydrazine hydrate) of these intermediate esters to their corresponding α-(aminoalkyl) acrylates was shown qualitatively using a modified ninhydrin test. It was necessary to develop a modified test procedure since excess hydrazine from the hydrolysis was found to interfere with the ninhydrin colour reaction.

The infrared spectrum of polyvinyl acetate is considered at liquid nitrogen temperature where an increased intensity of many bands is apparent, the increases being greatest with bands associated with the polymer chain.

The infra-red spectrum of polyvinyl acetate has been studied from 4000 to 150 cm-1 and a detailed assignment made. To assist with the assignments the partially deuterated polymer, poly-α, α, β-trideuterovinyl acetate, and a branched-chain acetate have been synthesised and their spectra examined.

The infrared spectrum of polymethyl acrylate has been studied in the region 4000 to 150 cm−1 and a detailed assignment made.

Reaction conditions for the synthesis of α, α′, β-trideuterovinyl acetate by the continuous vapour phase catalytic reaction of deuteroacetylene and acetic acid-d (CH3COOD) are described.