An investigation into the degree and rate of polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate

Room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs), including 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [bmim(+)][PF6-], were investigated as replacements for volatile organic compounds in the freeradical solution polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylatc) (PMMA). The latter was synthesized in benzene and [bmim(+)][PF6-] at 70 degreesC via a free-radical process and the degree and rate of polymerization were compared based on the solvent used. The degree of polymerization was found to be five times higher in [bmim(+)][PF6-] than in benzene, while the rate of reaction was approximately four times faster in [bmim(+)][PF6-]. The results indicate the potential for using ILs to produce high-molecular-weight polymers and block structures based on the increased free-radical stability in ILs. (C) 2004 Society of Chemical Industry.