Chapter 30, Problem 30.52P

(a) Explain why poly (vinyl alcohol) cannot be prepared by the radical polymerization of vinyl alcohol ( ${\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}=\text{CHOH}$). (b) Devise a stepwise synthesis of poly (vinyl alcohol) from vinyl acetate ( ${\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}={\text{CHOCOCH}}_3$). (c) How can poly (vinyl alcohol) be converted to poly (vinyl butyral), a polymer used in windshield safety glass?