Synthesis of di- and triblock copolymers of styrene and butyl acrylate by controlled atom transfer radical polymerization

Di- and triblock copolymers of styrene and butyl acrylate with controlled m olar masses ((M) over bar(n) up to approximate to 10(5)) were sequentially prepared by radical atom transfer polymerization in a homogeneous medium us ing chlorine end capped polymers,as initiators and the copper((I)) chloride /bipyridine complex as catalyst, in the presence of dimethylformamide. Rand om poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate) was synthesized and the crossover reacti ons between Cl end capped polystyrene and poly(butyl acrylate) to the oppos ite monomers were examined.