ARGET ATRP of Methyl Acrylate and Methyl Methacrylate with Diazocine-Derived Initiators

Diazocine-functionalized initiators for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) were synthesized and tested for their efficiency in controlled radical polymerizations of methyl acrylate and methacrylate under reaction conditions for activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET). The α-bromoisobutyl condensates of anilide and benzyloxycarbonate required high amounts of reducing agents and catalysts for the initiation. On the other hand, violet light irradiation during ATRP caused severe retardation or termination during initiation of the anilide compound, in contrast to the previously reported photoinduced initiation under otherwise very similar conditions. The final linear elastomers obtained from optimized polymerization kinetics responded to light irradiation of 405 and 525 nm wavelengths by Z/E photoisomerization of diazocine in both solution and in the solid state. The E → Z thermal relaxation rate was highly influenced by electronic effects on the diazocine ring, the solvent, and the polymer matrix in the solid state. Our polymers find potential use as photonic materials in ultraviolet light sensors and optical waveguides.