Expanding the range of functional polymers prepared using reversible-deactivation radical polymerization is critical to developing advanced materials. Poly(2-(methylthio)ethyl methacrylate) and poly(2-(methylthio)ethyl acrylate) and their respective tertiary sulfonium derivatives were synthesized using activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP). Optimization of ARGET ATRP conditions allowed for the preparation of well-defined polymers with high conversions and low molecular weight distributions (conversions >80% & Mw/Mn < 1.2). The stability and rate of sulfonium de-alkylation by halide anions was determined by 1H NMR analysis. It was found that with decreasing solvent polarity the rate of de-alkylation increased. These studies show the preparation of new functional and responsive polymers.

Synthesis and stability of thioether and tertiary sulfonium containing polymers prepared by ARGET ATRP

248th National Meeting (2014)

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