Polytetrahydrofuran macroinimers - 3. Synthesis of polymethyl methacrylate with side chain block copolymers of tetrahydrofuran and methyl methacrylate

Photoactive polytetrahydrofuran macroinimers were synthesized by the cationic polymerization of tetrahydrofuran initiated by the unsaturated oxocarbenium salt and subsequent termination by 2-picoline N-oxide. Macroinimers incorporating vinyl and pyridinium groups and methyl methacrylate were used in the grafting reaction in the presence of 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile as a thermal initiator. Side chain block copolymers were obtained by indirect photochemical polymerization of methyl methacrylate. Upon subjecting the pyridinium-ion-containing graft copolymer to UV irradiation in the presence of anthracene (photosensitizer) and methyl methacrylate, the polymerization of methyl methacrylate was initiated.