The synthesis of polyvinyl alcohol PVA from vinyl acetate monomer VAM involves two main steps: the polymerization of VAM to form polyvinyl acetate PVAc and the hydrolysis of PVAc to form PVA. To achieve a high degree of polymerization and high molecular weight PVA, the following optimal reaction conditions should be considered:1. Polymerization of VAM to PVAc: a. Initiator: Use a suitable initiator, such as an azo or peroxide initiator, to initiate the free-radical polymerization of VAM. The initiator concentration should be optimized to balance the rate of polymerization and the molecular weight of the resulting PVAc. b. Temperature: The polymerization should be carried out at a temperature between 60-80C. Higher temperatures may lead to faster polymerization but can also cause side reactions and degradation of the polymer. c. Solvent: A suitable solvent, such as methanol or ethanol, can be used to control the viscosity of the reaction mixture and facilitate heat transfer. The solvent should be chosen based on its compatibility with the reactants and the desired properties of the resulting PVAc. d. Reaction time: The reaction time should be optimized to achieve the desired degree of polymerization and molecular weight of PVAc. Longer reaction times may lead to higher molecular weight polymers, but can also result in side reactions and degradation.2. Hydrolysis of PVAc to PVA: a. Catalyst: Use a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide NaOH or potassium hydroxide KOH , as a catalyst for the hydrolysis reaction. The concentration of the catalyst should be optimized to achieve a high degree of hydrolysis without causing degradation of the polymer. b. Temperature: The hydrolysis reaction should be carried out at a temperature between 40-60C. Higher temperatures may lead to faster hydrolysis but can also cause degradation of the polymer. c. Reaction time: The reaction time should be optimized to achieve the desired degree of hydrolysis and molecular weight of PVA. Longer reaction times may lead to higher molecular weight polymers, but can also result in side reactions and degradation. d. Degree of hydrolysis: The degree of hydrolysis should be controlled to achieve the desired properties of the resulting PVA. A higher degree of hydrolysis will result in a more hydrophilic and water-soluble PVA, while a lower degree of hydrolysis will result in a more hydrophobic and water-insoluble PVA.By optimizing these reaction conditions, it is possible to synthesize PVA with a high degree of polymerization and high molecular weight, which can be used for various applications, such as films, coatings, adhesives, and hydrogels.