Synthesis, X-ray structure, and polymerization of 1-vinyl-3-chloride cyanomethylimidazolium chloride

A new monomer, 1-vinyl-3-cyanomethylimidazolium chloride (1), was synthesiz ed via quaternization of 1-vinylimidazole with chloroacetonitrile. The mono mer was characterized using H-1- and C-13-NMR as well as Raman spectroscopi c techniques; its crystal structure was studied by means of X-ray analysis. The radical polymerization of I in aqueous solution brought about the form ation of a polyelectrolyte that retains cyano groups intact and possesses f ilm-forming properties. The structure of the polymer was characterized by N MR and Raman spectroscopy. The high viscosity of aqueous solutions and chem ical structure of the polymer obtained suggest its possible applications as a thickener and/or detergent additive. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.