Nitroxide mediated polymerization of methacrylates at moderate temperature

In this communication we report the first homopolymerization of a variety of methacrylates by an NMP process at moderate temperature (40-50 degrees C), using an easily accessible and inexpensive nitroxide precursor. The combination of a low temperature azo-initiator with a hindered nitroso-compound produces a mixture of hindered nitroxides in the polymerization medium that act as efficient polymerization control agents. Results of Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscopy experiments combined with mass spectrometric studies support the proposed in situ NMP mechanism. The hindered structure of the nitroxides formed in situ is believed to be responsible for the efficiency of the process by allowing it to proceed at low temperature, therefore limiting the side reactions generally observed in NMP of methacrylates.