Living anionic homopolymerization and block copolymerization of (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate

Anionic polymerization of (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) has been investigated in THF at -78 degrees C. The presence of lithium chloride has been shown to be desirable in order to afford a narrow molecular weight distribution as well as a good agreement between theoretical and observed molecular weight. The living character of the polymerization has been demonstrated. Thus the synthesis of block copolymers, some of them unattainable by GTP, has been carried out successfully. Finally, the anionic polymerization of mixtures of tert-butyl methacrylate (tBMA) and DMAEMA has been considered and their relative reactivity ratio estimated. The easy quaternization of (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate affords amphiphilic water-soluble copolymers displaying interesting characteristics as polymeric dispersants and surfactants.