I have a depolymerization reaction in two (1) and (2) conditions. I made a graph 1/Mw versus time, obtained straight line for condition (1) and line for condition (2) was not straight. Therefore, depolymerization in condition (1) was random and obeys pseudo-first order kinetics. How can kinetically express (discuss) depolymerization in condition (2)? What was the depolymerization mechanism if it was not random?
Two cases come to mind. One is a thermal decomposition which is random. The other is a hydrolysis or dissolution with a sizable but adjustable excess of the attacking solvent. Examples poly styrene on fire, poly ester in acid, and paraformaldehyde in hot water.
You write about two different conditions of the depolymerization process, but you are not specifying them. The reaction can be treated as a first order - the form of the kinetic equation is decisive (for example the rate of reaction is proportional to the concentration of the substrate). It will probably be in case of thermal decomposition. It may also, and must not, be of another order - as in the case of hydrolysis. This is determined solely by the result of the experiment.
Regards,
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