Synthesis of Graft Copolymers from Diallyldimethylammonium Chloride and Acrylamide

Abstract

Abstract Previous results from this laboratory have shown that high molecular weight graft copolymers of acrylamide onto suitable copolymers of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl acrylate can be obtained by using eerie ion. However, homopolymer formation cannot be excluded since half of the radicals generated are not bound to the chain. In order to avoid homopolymer formation, a system was designed to lead only to generation of radicals covalently bonded to the chain. To this end, a novel copolymer substrate, diallyldimethylammonium chloride-co-3,4-dihydroxycyclohexylmethyl acrylate, was prepared. As an intermediate for this copolymer, 1-chloromethyl-trans-3,4-cyclohexanediol was synthesized. Studies of graft copolymerization of acrylamide and mixtures of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride to this substrate are reported. Evidence that a higher ratio of consumed acrylamide is bonded to the substrate chain is based on a much higher ratio of M w to [η] in these copolymers t...