Template polymerization of multiacrylate

By reacting poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) with acryloyl chloride, multiacrylate connected through a covalent bond with polymethacrylate chain (template) has been obtained. The free-radical polymerization of multiacrylate in dilute dioxane solutions at 75°C and 85°C was examined by IR spectrophotometry and the distribution of molecular weights of the resultant products was evaluated by gel permeation chromatography. The findings show that under selected conditions the polymerization proceeds along ordered acrylic double bonds on the template and results in a ladder-type polymer. At a temperature of 85°C, in addition to the intramolecular cyclopolymerization, intermolecular reactions proceed to a minor extent. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.