Atom‐Transfer Radical Polymerization of 2‐(N,N‐Dimethylamino)ethyl Acrylate

Abstract ATRP of 2‐( N,N ‐dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate (DMAEA) was investigated using CuBr or CuCl with different multidentate ligands. The catalyst was found active for DMAEA polymerization when ligated with tris[2‐( N,N ‐dimethylamino)ethyl]amine. Good control over molecular weight was achieved, but quaternization of the terminal monomeric/polymeric tertiary amine by the CBr group of polyDMAEA caused chain termination. Using a chloride‐based system helped to suppress chain termination. Amphiphilic poly(methyl acrylate)‐ block ‐polyDMAEA was synthesized using polyMA as a macroinitiator. Molecular weights and polydispersities of polyDMAEA versus DMAEA conversion for different catalyst systems. magnified image Molecular weights and polydispersities of polyDMAEA versus DMAEA conversion for different catalyst systems.