Synthesis and characterization of homo- and copolymer of 2-(N-Phthalimido)ethyl methacrylate and styrene

2-(N-Phthalimido)ethanol (NPE) was prepared by reacting phthalic anhydride with ethanolamine in dimethy formamide medium. The NPE thus obtained was re acted with methacryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine to form t he monomer, 2-(N-Phthalimido)ethyl methacrylate (NPEMA). Free radical polym erization technique was used to synthesize the homopolymers and copolymers of different composition of NPEMA and styrene in 2-butanone solution at 70 degreesC +/- 1 degreesC using benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The monomer an d the polymers were characterized by IR and H-1-NMR techniques. The molecul ar weights ((M) over bar (w) and (M) over bar (n)) and polydispersity index of the polymers were determined using gel permeation chromatography. Therm ogravimetric analysis of the polymers were carried out in air. The solubili ty of the polymers were also studied. The composition of the copolymers was inferred from the H-1-NMR data obtained. The reactivity ratios of the mono mers were determined by the application of FinemanRoss and Kelen-Tudos meth ods.