Polymers with acyloxime ester in the main chain: Synthesis, characterization and initiator properties of an azo‐containing ester initiator

For application as initiator, a new polymeric azo‐acyloxime ester (AOE) was synthesized by condensation of 4,4′‐azobis(4‐cyanopentanoic acid chloride) (ACPC) with 1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,2‐propanedione‐2‐oxime (HPO). The initiator structure was confirmed by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The kinetics of the free‐radical polymerization of styrene initiated by AOE was investigated and the kinetic parameters evaluated. The initiation of polymerization of styrene by means of AOE yields polymers with photoactive acyloxime groups in the main chain.