Synthesis and copolymerization of macromonomers based on 2-nonyl- and 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline

Several macromonomers were prepared by cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-nonyl- and 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline using different techniques of functionalization. Introduction of the unsaturated functional group directly via a suitable termination agent proved to be superior to the use of a phenol-functionalized initiator and to the introduction of hydroxyl end groups via hydrolysis of the reactive cationic chain end and subsequent esterification with methacryloyl chloride. The macromonomers were characterized by spectroscopic techniques as well as GPC. One of the 4-vinylbenzyl-terminated macromonomers was copolymerized with MMA in different ratios. The copolymerization parameter r₁ was determined to be 0.75. The resulting graft copolymers were characterized regarding number of grafts per chain, molar mass, and glass transition temperature.