| Abstract: | An investigation of the solution polymerization of methyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl methacrylates and the polymerization of methyl and butyl methacrylates in the presence of methyl, butyl, and tert-butyl isobutyrate and methyl pivalate showed that the complex order of the initiation reaction with respect to the monomer (about 2) has its cause in the ability of the ester group in the monomer and of methyl or butyl isobutyrate to activate lithium tert-alkoxide. Owing to conjugation, the ester group in the monomer is less active than the ester group in isobutyrate. Steric hindrances of the formation of a complex between lithium tert-alkoxide and ester were also investigated, because this complex is intermediate product necessary for the formation of an activated lithium tert-alkoxide, capable of initiating the polymerization of alkyl methacrylates of the type CH2?(CH3)COOCH2R. |
