English Abstract

Precise Anionic Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate: Simultaneous Control of Molecular Weight, Stereoregularity, and End-Structure

Yasuhiro KOHSAKA
Tatsuki KITAYAMA
Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi,(2015),88(3),80-85 General Review in Japanese

Stereospecific living anionic polymerizations of methyl methacrylate are described with the focus on precise control of polymer structures such as molecular weight and its dispersity, tacticity and end-groups. In particular, recently developed efficient termination reaction with α- (chloromethyl) acrylates is discussed, which affords stereoregular poly (methyl methacrylate) s possessing α,β-unsaturated esters at the ω-ends. The subsequent thiol-ene click reaction resulted in a quantitative end-functionalization. The terminating reaction is also useful to evaluate reactivity of monomers and stereospecificity of propagating species in the presence of some additives.

Keywords: Living Anionic Ploymerization, Stereoregularity, End-functionalization, Stereospecific Polymerization, Tacticity, Click Chemistry