Copolymerization of 2-(N-phthalimido)-2-methylpropyl acrylate with methyl methacrylate

The acrylic monomer, 2-(N-phthalimido)-2-methylpropyl acrylate was prepared by reacting 2-(N-phthalimido)-2-methylpropan-1-ol dissolved in 2-butanone with acryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine. Copolymers of 2(N- phthalimido)-2-methylpropyl acrylate with methyl methacrylate having variou s feed compositions in 2-butanone solution were synthesized using benzoyl p eroxide as a free, radical initiator at 70 degreesC. The monomer and the co polymers were characterized by infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonan ce (H-1-NMR) spectroscopic techniques. The copolymer compositions were calc ulated by H-1-NMR technique. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined by the application of conventional linearization methods suggested by Finem an-Ross and Kelen-Tudos. The number and weight average molecular weights (M -n and M-w) of the polymers were determined by gel permeation chromatograph y. The thermal stability of the polymers was measured by thermogravimetric analysis in air. The solubility of the polymers was tested.