Cyclodextrins in the emulsion polymerization of vinyl monomers

beta-Cyclodextrin (CD) has been incorporated into emulsion polymerizations of vinyl monomers. Polymerizations of the sparingly soluble monomer, butyl methacrylate, were not affected by the presence of CD when a sulphonate cos urfactant was present. However, incorporation of CD into surfactant free po lymerizations yielded stable latices in a formulation which gave a grossly coagulated product in the absence of CD. It was also found that the highly water insoluble monomers decyl and octadecyl methacrylate could be polymeri zed in emulsion if CD was added to the latex. In emulsion polymerization ca rried out in the absence of CD gross coagulation occurred early in the reac tion. The role of CD in these systems appears to be solubilization of the h ydrophobic monomers.