Statistical group transfer copolymerization of methyl methacrylate with acrylates

Abstract

Statistical group transfer copolymerization of acrylates with methyl methacrylate have been performed for two binary systems using 1-methoxy-2-methyl-1-trimethylsilyloxy propene (initiator) and tetrabutylammonium bibenzoate (anionic catalyst) in toluene solution. The copolymer compositions were determined by H-1 NMR spectroscopy and the results evaluated by the Kelen-Tudos method. The monomer pairs concerned are (1) methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate (MMA), (2) butyl acrylate and MMA. The reactivity ratios were found to be gamma(MA) = 8.29, gamma(MMA) = 0.04 and gamma(MMA) = 6.74, gamma(MMA) = 0.14. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.