Synthesis of Random Copolymers Poly (methylmethacrylate-co-azo monomer) by ATRP-AGET

The synthesis of the azo molecule 1-(2-(4-nitrophenyl) diazenyl) naphtalen-2-ol which has been functionalized with a methacryloxyl fraction is now reported. This azo monomer was copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) by ATRP where the active species is prepared "in situ" after the reduction reaction of the metal complex Cu (II) - HMTETA by tin 2-ethylhexanoate in 2-butanone as solvent. Experimental conditions for the controlled homopolymerization of MMA were established. By adjusting the amount of reducing agent, a good correlation between theoretical and experimental molecular weight was obtained. Such conditions were also employed for the random copolymerization of MMA with the synthesized azo monomer.