Base‐catalyzed polymerization of maleimide and some derivatives and related unsaturated carbonamides

Abstract

Abstract Basic catalysts in dimethylacetamide solution initiated the polymerization of maleimide to yield a low molecular weight polymer which has a copolymer structure. Approximately 75–85% of the recurring units are formed by hydrogen transfer and 15–25% by vinyl polymerization, as shown by hydrolysis, to yield aspartic acid on the one hand and ammonia and polymaleic acid on the other. Several maleimide derivatives have been prepared, but none has given a high molecular weight polymer by basic catalysis. Some unsaturated carbonamides such as p ‐vinylbenzamide, mono‐ N ‐acrylyl‐hexamethylenediamine, and mono‐ N ‐acrylyl‐ p ‐phenylenediamine have been synthesized and polymerized by basic catalysts. Polymers with low molecular weights were obtained, but the complete structures of all these polymers were not established.