Random and block 2-alkyl-2-oxazolines telechelic macromonomers

Ring-opening polymerization of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline initiated by 2-(p-nitrobenzenesulfonato)ethyl methacrylate follows the so-called ''living mechanism'', i.e. fast initiation compared to slow propagation and no chain transfer. Accordingly, methacryl macromonomers having homopolymers, block or random copolymers of 2-methyl and 2-pentyl-2-oxazoline backbones with narrow molecular weight distribution were obtained. Termination of the propagating species by ion-exchange or aminolysis with triethylamine yielded hydroxyl and quaternary ammonium terminated macromonomers, respectively.