Polyvinyl Acetate: Vinyl Acetate Set Solid by Sunlight

Klatte and Rollett (Griesheim-Elektron, patent 1917) found that vinyl acetate left in sunlight, or under a mercury vapour lamp, turns into a clear, colourless solid like celluloid. It can be cut and turned, softened in hot water and moulded, and dissolved in ethyl acetate as a lacquer. It is the polymer behind PVA glue. The picture: our diagram, liquid to solid in the light.