Homogeneous polymerisation of methylmethacrylate initiated by alkali metal salts of methanol and t-butyl alcohol in the presence of cryptands and macrocyclic crown ether compounds

Abstract

The polymerisation of methylmethacrylate initiated by alkali alkoxides is greatly promoted in the presence of macrocyclic compounds, cryptands and crown ethers. The solubility in toluene and the reactivity of alkoxides is enhanced by these complexing agents. Polymerisations have been carried out in a non-polar solvent in the homogeneous phase.