Anionic synthesis of cyclic anhydride end-capped poly(methyl methacrylate)

This paper reports on the anionic synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate) ch ains end-capped by cyclic anhydride. The method is based on the chemical de rivatization of a precursor tert-butyl diester end-group. Compared to the t hermal modification, which was previously used, this method allows intermol ecular coupling and polymer degradation to be avoided. But up to now, the f inal anhydride content remains moderate and has still to be improved. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.