Polymerization of methyl methacrylate with a new rare-earth coordination catalyst

Methyl methacrylate was polymerized in toluene with a new rare-earth catalyst composed of rare-earth 2-ethylhexyl phosphonate, di-n-butylmagnesium, and N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylene diamine. The influence of the catalyst components and reaction conditions on polymerization has been examined in detail. The results showed that the rare-earth catalyst has a high activity and can prepare poly(methyl methacrylate) with a high molecular weight at a low temperature (−18°C).