Studies on copolymers of 2-(N-phthalimido)ethyl methacrylate with methyl methacrylate

N-(2-Hydroxyethyl) phthalimide (NHEP) was prepared by heating phthalic anhydride dissolved in dimethyl formamide (DMF) with ethanolamine. Methacryloyl chloride was prepared by a reported method. The monomer, 2-(N-phthalimido)ethyl methacrylate was synthesised by reacting N-(2-hydroxyethyl) phthalimide dissolved in ethyl methyl ketone with methacryloyl chloride. Copolymers of 2-(N-phthalimido)ethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate were synthesised in ethyl methyl ketone solution using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator at 65°C. The polymers were characterised by IR and 1H-NMR spectral studies and by thermal analysis. The molecular weights (M̄w and M̄n) and polydispersity index of the polymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. The solubility and intrinsic viscosity of the homo and copolymers were also discussed. The copolymer compositions were determined by 1H-NMR analysis. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined by the application of Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdös methods.