First example of the atom transfer radical polymerisation of an acidic monomer: direct synthesis of methacrylic acid copolymers in aqueous media

Abstract

Sodium methacrylate is polymerised directly via atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) in aqueous media using a poly(ethylene oxide)-based macro-initiator; the resulting poly(ethylene oxide-block-sodium methacrylate) copolymers were obtained in good yield and have narrow molecular weight distributions as evidenced by aqueous GPC.

“Green” Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization: From Process Design to Preparation of Well-Defined Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials

“…30-40%) were relatively high, the final products (at >80% monomer conversion) had a narrow MWD. This report demonstrating that ATRP could be successfully carried out in the presence of water was followed by a communication describing the ATRP of a charged monomer, sodium methacrylate, 318 in aqueous medium at 90°C. The ATRP of a neutral water soluble methacrylate, poly(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate (MePEOMA), 319 in water was more successful, and it was shown that the reaction was fast even at room temperature (essentially complete monomer conversion within one to several hours).…”

Synthesis of Glycopolymer Architectures by Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerization

“…functional groups likely to deactivate the catalyst (e.g., acid functions) need to be protected during the polymerization process [238]; ii. achieving a good degree of control in aqueous media is challenging due to the occurrence of several side reactions involving the catalytic system [239].…”

Synthesis and Characterization of Stimuli Responsive Block Copolymers, Self-Assembly Behavior and Applications

“…Near monodisperse poly(methacrylic acid) can be prepared by anionic polymerization of a tertbutyl or benzyl methacrylate followed by a step to hydrolyze the protecting group. ATRP has been shown to polymerize sodium methacrylate directly in water [184]. A homopolymer and a block copolymer, initiated by a PEO macroinitiator, of poly(sodium methacrylate) were produced.…”