Synthesis,polymerization, and copolymerization of lactam-substituted styrenes

Four new substituted styrene derivatives carrying lactam rings (2-pyrrolidone or 2-piperidone) in para position have been synthesized, namely 4-(2-oxo-3-methylene-pyrrolidinyl)styrene, 4-(2-oxo-3-methylene-piperidinyl)styrene, 4-(p-styryl)-2-pyrrolidone, and 4-(p-styryl)-2-piperidone. Their homopolymerization and copolymerization with styrene, methyl methacrylate, and acrylic acid have been considered. By ring opening of the side lactam groups, the homopolymers are transformed into the corresponding poly aminocarboxylic acids.