Living anionic homo- and block copolymerization of 2-(tert-butylamino) ethyl methacrylate

Anionic polymerization of 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate (tBAEMA), which bears an unprotected secondary amine moiety, has been investigated in THF at -78°C. The presence of lithium chloride has been shown to be desirable to afford narrow molecular weight distribution as well as a good agreement between theoretical and observed molecular weight. The living character of the polymerization has also been demonstrated, and the synthesis of block copolymers carried out successfully. They have been analyzed by SEC by adding a mixture of secondary and tertiary amines to the eluent (THF) so as to avoid any polymer adsorption during elution. © 1997 John Wile