The objectives of this research are to investigate the kinetics of free-radical initiation reactions carried out in the single-phase, mixture-critical region. Research will determine the effect of the solvent properties of mixtures in their critical region (enhanced diffusivity, reduced viscosity, and enhanced solvent power) on the rate of formation of primary radicals via homolytic scission. The information generated in this study should suggest novel and more efficient means for performing reactions and separating reaction mixtures for many free-radical reactions such as polymerizations and oxidations. There is a change in mechanisms (viscosity and energy- transfer effects) which occur in going from a gas-phase to a liquid- phase reaction medium.
