Anionic polymerization of monomers bearing quaternary ammonium groups. 1 Polymerization of methacrylate derivatives

Amphiphilic surface-active vinyl monomers alkyl [2(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethylammonium bromides, where alkyl is butyl or dodecyl have been investigated with respect to their polymerization behavior in the presence of various anionic initiators (Bu2Mg, tert-BuOK, calcium amide alkoxide). In most cases, the products consist of a low-molecular-weight fraction (Mw up to 5000) and a high-molecular-weight fraction (Mw up to 120 000). Block copolymers of the quaternary ammonium monomers with ethylene oxide show associative behavior in aqueous solutions.