Abstract
1. The rate of polymerization of isoprene under high pressures has been studied. The reaction is subject to positive catalysis by peroxides and negative catalysis by hydroquinone. Although the reaction is of a high order, the rate is approximately in accord with a first order reaction presumably because of an autocatalytic effect. The temperature and pressure coefficients of the rate have been estimated. The solubility and elasticity of the product depend on the extent to which the isoprene has been polymerized; when the polymerization is practically complete at room temperature at 12,000 atm. the product is very insoluble 2. The action of high pressures on n-butyraldehyde produces a solid only slightly soluble in organic solvents. It reverts to n-butyraldehyde rapidly. It is suggested that this polymer is similar to the well-known polymers of formaldehyde but that the energy relationships are such that the polymer is stable only at high pressures.