Simultaneous polymerization and quaternization of 4‐vinyl pyridine

Abstract

Abstract Quantitative polymerization of 4‐vinyl pyridine (4‐VP) and its quaternization has been done simultaneously for the first time in absence of organic solvents. 1, 4‐dibromo‐2‐butene acts as quaternizing agent. The quaternized polymer has been characterized by chemical, thermal and spectral analysis. The mechanistic path involved in the polymerization and quaternization has been elucidated. Particle size, surface area, ion exchange capacity and metal ion binding property were determined. The polymer was found to have pH‐dependent chromate ion binding capacity with high level of selectivity and good antibacterial activity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013