Synthesis and functionalities of poly (N-vinylalkylamide). IV. Synthesis and free radical polymerization ofN-vinylisobutyramide and thermosensitive properties of the polymer

Abstract

Pyrolysis of (N-α-isopropoxyethyl)isobutyramide, which was obtained by the reaction of isobutyramide, 2-propanol, and acetaldehyde in the presence of conc. sulfuric acid, produced N-vinylisobutyramide (NVIBA). The free radical polymerization of NVIBA was carried out in various solvents in the presence of a radical initiator. It was found that the polymerizability of NVIBA is similar to that of N-vinylacetamide. The resulting polyNVIBA showed a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) sharply at 39°C. Thermosensitive properties of polyNVIBA were investigated in comparison with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1763–1768, 1997