ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Facile synthesis of gemini surface-active ATRP initiator and its use in soap-free AGET ATRP mini-emulsion polymerisation

Chuan Jie Cheng, Quan Lei Fu, Xiong Xiong Bai, Shao Jin Liu, Liang Shen, Wu Qin Fan, and Hong Xia Li

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Fenglin Street Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330013, China

E-mail: chengcj530@gmail.com

Abstract: A novel cationic gemini surfactant has been readily synthesised in 70 % total yield. The functional gemini surfactant can act both as an emulsifier and an atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) initiator in mini-emulsion polymerisation of methyl methacrylate (MMA), in which no other emulsifier was required. 1-(Dimethylamino)dodecane (N,N-dimethyldodecylamine, DMDA) was found to be a good ligand in the activator generated by electron transfer (AGET) ATRP reaction. Kinetic studies indicated that the polymerisation featured controlled/living radical polymerisation.

Keywords: gemini surfactant – activator generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerisation (AGET ATRP) – mini-emulsion polymerisation – soap-free

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.2478/s11696-012-0271-y

Chemical Papers 67 (3) 336–341 (2013)