Amphiphilic Star Homo‐ and Block Copolymers of 2‐(dimethylamino) Ethyl‐Methacrylate via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Abstract

Three arm star homopolymers of 2‐(dimethylamino) ethylmethacrylate (DMAEMA) monomer were efficiently prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization technique (ATRP). True ATRP was obtained by using N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine‐(TMED)/CuBr catalytic system at 90, 100°C. However, lower temperatures saved more controlled ATRP. (DMAEMA) di‐and tri‐ block copolymers were prepared in the same fashion as in the case of homopolymers but at 90°C. Several monomers were involved in such polymerization experiments such as styrene (St.), methylmethacrylate (MMA), methylacrylate (MA) and vinylacetate (VA). Di‐and tri‐ block copolymers of (DMAEMA) were prepared by using MMA, St, MMA‐VA and MMA‐St homo‐ and copolymers, respectively as macroinitiators. Relatively low molecular weights were recorded via GPC. The structures of the formed polymers were proved using ¹H‐NMR and IR. Thermal behavior of the prepared polymers was studied in each case. The bromine end group was converted into hydroxyl one via a selective reaction with silver oxide. The structure of the hydroxyl‐ended polymer was confirmed through ¹H‐NMR and IR.

Keywords:

• amphiphilic polymers
• star polymers
• ATRP
• ¹H‐NMR