Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Effects Of N-Substituents On The Polymerization Properties Of Maleimide, Dilip R. Abayasekara

Theses and Dissertations

The effect of the amide function and the carbethoxy function on the polymerization properties of maleimide are reported. The effects of these functions on homopolymerization and copolymerization (with styrene) were examined. These electron-withdrawing groups appeared to decrease the rate of homopolymerization and increase the rate of copolymerization.

N-carbamylmaleimide and N-carbethoxymaleimide were copolymerized with styrene in 1,4 -dioxane at 60.0° C at different feed ratios to high conversion. Copolymer composition, determined by elemental analysis and 1H NMR, indicated that while 1:1 copolymers were obtained with an equimolar feed ratio, the two systems were not alternating. It is of note that the …