Role of choline formate ionic liquid in the polymerization of vinyl and methacrylic monomers

Abstract

Abstract Polymerizations of vinyl and methacrylate monomers (2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate, styrene, and methyl methacrylate) were carried out in a choline formate ionic liquid at room temperature without the addition of peroxide‐based initiators. Choline formate acted as both an initiator and a solvent and produced high‐molecular‐weight polymers. Gel permeation chromatography and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements indicated that the polymerizations predominantly occurred by a free‐radical mechanism. This method of polymerization provides an alternate route to eliminate the use of toxic initiators and solvents. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011