Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate with FeCl3/pyromellitic acid

IronIII chloride coordinated by pyromellitic acid was successfully used as the catalytic system in reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of MMA. Well-defined poly(methyl methacrylate) with narrow molecular weight distribution was synthesized in N,N-dimethylformamide at 80–110 °C. Chain extension was performed to confirm the living nature of the polymer. The presence of the end chloride atom on the resulting PMMA was demonstrated by 1HNMR spectroscopy. This catalyst system is effective for reverse ATRP of methacrylates but not for acrylates.