The effects of ester chain length and temperature on the catalytic chain transfer polymerization of methacrylates

The catalytic chain transfer polymerizations of methyl, ethyl, and butyl me thacrylates were studied over the temperature range 40-70 degrees C with co baloxime boron fluoride (COBF) and its tetraphenyl derivative (COPhBF). It was found that for both catalytic chain transfer agents the chain transfer constant decreases in going from methyl to butyl methacrylate, and that the re is no significant temperature effect on the observed chain transfer cons tants. The results are consistent with a diffusion-controlled rate coeffici ent for the chain transfer reaction.