Copolymerization via zwitterion, 5. β‐butyrolactone and 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline

Abstract

Abstract The zwitterionic copolymerization of 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline (MOX) as nucleophilic monomer with β‐butyrolactone (BUL) as electrophilic monomer was investigated in bulk and in solution (CH 3 CN) at 45°C. The copolymer composition was around 1,5/1,0 (BUL/MOX) as was established by 1 H NMR. 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy were used to identify the copolymers. The IR spectroscopy supported the NMR results. On the other hand, the copolymers behave as polyelectrolytes, according to viscosity determinations. A copolymerization mechanism through a zwitterion species is suggested.