Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate with FeCl3/pyromellitic acid

Iron^III chloride coordinated by pyromellitic acid was successfully used as the catalytic system in reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of MMA. Well-defined poly(methyl methacrylate) with narrow molecular weight distribution was synthesized in N,N-dimethylformamide at 80-110 °C. Chain extension was performed to confirm the living nature of the polymer. The presence of the end chloride atom on the resulting PMMA was demonstrated by ¹HNMR spectroscopy. This catalyst system is effective for reverse ATRP of methacrylates but not for acrylates.