Polymer Chemistry
Main Article Content
Abstract
By Ciara Smoth, Chemistry; Diane Pham, Chemistry
Advisor: Neil Ayers
Presentation ID: PM_D23
Abstract: Poly(pentafluorophenyl methacrylate) (PFPMA) is an active ester polymer that can be used in preparation of functional polymers via post-polymerization modification with primary and secondary amines. Here, a series of amphiphilic copolymers containing 2-(dimethylamino)ethylamine and dibutyl amine were synthesized via a one-pot, two-step sequential addition procedure. Poly(pentafluorophenyl methacrylate) (PFPMA) was prepared using free radical polymerization. The [monomer] to [initiator] ratio was varied to obtain poly(PFPMA)s with Mn ranging from 21,000 g/mol to 46,500 g/mol. The post polymerization modification reaction proceeds with excellent conversion independent of the poly(PFPMA) precursor molecular weight. This provides efficient access to the synthesis of polyacrylamide polymers which are difficult to obtain via direct polymerization of acrylamide monomers.