Spontaneous copolymerization of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline and N-phenyl maleimide

Summary The copolymerizations of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline and N-phenyl maleimide in bulk or in solution,at 60°C or room temperature are reported. The initiation is spontaneous and is due to the formation of zwitterion by interaction of the two monomers. The copolymers are statistical,more rich in maleimide units and propagation reaction can take place both by anions and zwitterions.