ARGET ATRP of methacrylates and acrylates with stoichiometric ratios of ligand to copper

Atom transfer radical polymerizations of butyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and butyl acrylate were conducted using only ppm amounts of catalyst through the regeneration of activator via the ARGET mechanism. The polymers produced were nearly colorless, and exhibited living characteristics with copper catalyst levels as low as 6.4 ppm (relative to monomer). Polymerizations were well controlled at temperatures up to 110 degrees C and, contrary to previous studies, ARGET ATRP was successfully carried out using only a stoichiometric amount of ligand to catalyst. As ligand can account for a considerable portion of catalyst cost, these results demonstrate the robustness of ARGET ATRP, and its potential for industrial adoption.