Synthesis and use of a surface-active initiator in emulsion polymerization under AGET and ARGET ATRP conditions

Abstract

A novel surface-active ATRP initiator disodium 4-(10-(2-bromo-2-methylpropanoyloxy)decyloxy)-4-oxo-2-sulfonatobutanoate (1a) has been designed and synthesized efficiently in three steps. The controlled radical emulsion polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) were realized in one step without any added surfactant under AGET and ARGET ATRP conditions, in which the initiator 1 functioned as both an ATRP initiator and a latex stabilizer.