Preparation and structural characterization of poly(4-vinylphenylacetate-co-maleic anhydride)

Poly(4-vinylphenylacetate-co-maleic anhydride) was synthesized by free-radical initiation to yield a 1:1 copolymer over a 0.2-0.8 mole fraction range of monomer feed in maleic anhydride. Evidence of 1:1 charge transfer complex between 4-vinylphenylacetate and maleic anhydride was obtained in the UV region at 355 nm. The ¹³C NMR chemical shifts and ¹H NMR integration data indicate that poly(4-vinylphenylacetate-co-maleic anhydride) has an alternating and stereoregular structure. The molecular weight of poly(4-vinylphenylacetate-co-maleic anhydride) was controlled by using specific solvents and initiator concentrations.