Nitroxide-Mediated Polymerization of n-Butyl Acrylate and D-Limonene

N-butyl acrylate and D-limonene were copolymerized in bulk via nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP) at 115 degrees C using SG1-BlocBuilder. Compared to the free-radical initiation system, the NMP approach resulted in a moderate enhancement to final conversion and slightly higher incorporation of D-limonene into the copolymer microstructure. The copolymer composition using the NMP approach did not differ significantly from that of the free-radical method. A mechanism for the NMP of BA/Lim is proposed which includes a degradative chain transfer reaction due to the allylic hydrogen of D-limonene.