Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, Vol.54, No.13, 2004-2014, 2016
Photopolymerization of Coordinated Ionic Liquid Monomers: Realizing the Benefits of Structured Media Using Only Common Reagents
Here, we provide a detailed report on a new type of structured media for improving photopolymerizations: coordinated ionic liquids (ILs). Coordinated ILs are readily formed from the bistriflimide ([Tf2N](-)) anion and coordination complexes composed of Li+ cations with polar organic monomers without an additional cosolvent. Photopolymerization kinetics and monomer conversion were monitored in real time using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the material properties of the products were examined using gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry. Generally, coordinated IL monomers displayed improved reaction kinetics at both high and low salt concentrations as well as distinct product properties. The noncovalent (and reversible) interactions between monomer and salt in coordinated ILs hold promise as an efficient and versatile form of structured media for photopolymerizations. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.