Synthesis and Characterization of Methylmethacrylate-alt-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone Initiated by Phosphorus Containing 1,2 Dipolar Compound

Copolymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA) with 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (N-VP), initiated by p-nitrobenzyl triphenyl phosphonium ylide in dioxane at 60°C for 60 min under inert atmosphere of nitrogen yields alternating copolymer as evidenced by the values of r ₁ = 0.01 and r ₂ = 0.02. The kinetic expression was R_p ∝ I]^0.75MMA]^1.2VP]^1.2. The overall activation energy is 45.4 kJ/mol. The FTIR bands of OCH₃ of MMA at 1725 cm^?1 and –C=O of N-VP at 1679 cm^?1, confirms the incorporation of both the monomers in the copolymer. The glass transition temperature of the copolymer is 133°C. The GPC data shows the polydispersity index at about 1.5. The ESR spectroscopy confirm phenyl radical responsible for initiation.