Optimization of Atom Transfer Radical Copolymerization of Allyl Butyl Ether with Acrylonitrile

Abstract

The optimization of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) conditions for the copolymerization of allyl butyl ether with acrylonitrile has been carried out with the aim of achieving control over molecular parameters. The influence of solvents, initiator concentration and in-feed molar compositions on the rate of copolymerization was also investigated. The molecular weight data as well as kinetic studies suggested conventional ATRP behavior of the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and allyl butyl ether. The variation of copolymer composition (FC) with conversion indicated towards the synthesis of copolymers having significant changes in composition with conversion. The copolymer compositions obtained from 1H NMR spectra were utilized to determine the reactivity ratios. With the help of DEPT (Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer) and 2D HSQC (Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence) NMR spectra, complete spectral assignments of 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectra were done. All these analysis, considered in aggregate indicated that allyl butyl ether acted as a comonomer instead of a chain-transfer agent under the employed reaction conditions.