POLYMERIZATION OF METHYL-METHACRYLATE WITH METAL ACETYLACETONATES AND TRIETHYLALUMINUM CATALYSTS

Polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with metal acetylacetonates, especially vanadium (III) acetylacetonate [V(acac)3], in combination with AlEt3 was studied. V(acac)3-AlEt3 catalyst could initiate the polymerization of MMA, although other Mt(acac)x(s) are also effective. It was found that the polymerization of MMA with V(acac)3-AlEt3 catalyst proceeded through a coordination mechanism, from the results of copolymerization with styrene and polymerization in the presence of radical inhibitors. The resulting polymers were found to form stereocomplexes in acetone. Based on these results, it is concluded that multi-active sites in the polymerization of MMA with V(acac)3-AlEt3 catalyst were produced.