Synthesis and ATRP activity of new TREN-based ligands

Ligands suitable for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) were prepared by the Michael addition of several acrylates (allyl, benzyl, butyl, 2-ethythexyl, and 3-(dimethoxymethylsilyl)propyl acrylates) with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN). These ligands, readily prepared from inexpensive precursors, were used for the preparation of 1 catalyst complexes suitable for polymerization of (meth)acrylates and styrene, providing activity comparable to catalysts currently used for these monomers. Catalysts containing ligands with a dimethoxymethylsilyl substituent were examined for copper removal after the reaction mixture was contacted with silica gel.