Vinyl polymerization by metal complexes. III. Vinyl polymerization initiated by oligoamide and cupric ion system

Abstract

Abstract Polymerization of methyl methacrylate and other vinyl monomers was studied in the presence of oligoamide (ϵ‐aminocaproic acid, its dimer, trimer, tetramer, and pentamer) and cupric ion in aqueous media. The polymerization was found to be of free‐radical character and selective for the type of vinyl monomer. Carbon tetrachloride can accelerate the polymerization. The initiation mechanism of the polymerization is discussed. Spectroscopic measurements were indicative of formation of 1:1 complex between oligoamides and cupric ion in aqueous NaClO 4 solution. Some chemical and physical properties of the resulting polymers were measured.