During the free-radical polymerization of ethene using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator, which of th — Polymers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Benzoyl peroxide undergoes homolytic cleavage to form two benzoyloxy radicals, which rapidly undergo decarboxylation (loss of $CO_2$) to form highly reactive phenyl radicals ($C_6H_5^\bullet$). The phenyl radical then attacks the double bond of ethene to initiate the chain.