M. Iovu, K. Matyjaszewski
Nov 20, 2003
Citations
1
Influential Citations
164
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Macromolecules
Abstract
Controlled/living radical polymerization of vinyl acetate was achieved by a degenerative transfer process using alkyl iodides as transfer agents. Poly(vinyl acetate) with predetermined molecular weight and relatively low polydispersity was successfully synthesized. Methyl 2-iodopropionate and ethyl iodoacetate were employed as transfer agents, whereas 2,2‘-azobis(isobutyronitrile) and α-cumyl peroxyneodecanoate were used as initiators. Methyl 2-iodopropionate and ethyl iodoacetate are both efficient transfer agents, yielding polymers with good agreement between theoretical and observed molecular weights up to Mn = 20 000 and low polydispersities (Mw/Mn < 1.5). In contrast, ethyl iodide was inefficient as a transfer agent, although it retarded polymerization. The influence of temperature and the concentrations of transfer agent and initiator were studied. The structure of poly(vinyl acetate) end groups was investigated using 1H NMR. The iodo-terminated chain ends were unstable and decomposed to aldehyde mo...