Abstract

When metalating agents act on natural or Alfin rubber, gel is formed. The amount of gel increases with the activity of the metalating agent and the severity of the conditions under which it is used. Metallic sodium or potassium does not cause gel to form in natural rubber. Under very severe conditions these metals metalate the highly active hydrocarbons, fluorene, triphenylmethane and diphenylmethane, in fair to poor amounts, depending on the hydrocarbon, but they metalate toluene only slightly, even under highly favorable conditions.