HYPERBRANCHED METHACRYLATES BY SELF-CONDENSING GROUP-TRANSFER POLYMERIZATION

The synthesis of hyperbranched methacrylates was achieved by self-cond ensing group transfer polymerization of 2-(2-methyl-1-triethylsiloxy-1 -propenyloxy)ethyl methacrylate (1). ''Back-biting'' is shown to be th e predominant side reaction. In spite of this, the compact nature of t he hyperbranched molecules was demonstrated through SEC-viscosity meas urements and comparison with it linear analogue. The degree of branchi ng can be controlled by copolymerization with conventional monomers, e .g. MMA, and the living polymers can be used as macroinitiators for st ar-shaped polymers.