Question

A 6% solution of 19:1 acylamide is mixed, deaerated, and poured between glass plates for gel formation. After an hour, the solution is still liquid. What might be one explanation for the gel not polymerizing?

Answer 1

The gel not polymerizing is likely due to the lack of or insufficient polymerization initiators like APS and TEMED, which are necessary to start the polymerization process for forming the polyacrylamide gel.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the polyacrylamide gel is still liquid after an hour, it likely means that the polymerization process has not been initiated properly. One common reason for this could be the absence or inadequate amounts of the polymerization initiators, such as APS (Ammonium Persulfate) and TEMED (Tetramethylethylenediamine).

These chemicals are necessary to start the free-radical polymerization that forms the gel matrix. Without these initiators, acrylamide and methylenebisacrylamide monomers will not form the crosslinks needed for the gel to polymerize and set. When preparing the gel, it's critical to ensure that the correct concentrations of APS and TEMED are added promptly before pouring the solution between the glass plates.