Living Ab Initio Emulsion Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate in Water Using a Water-Soluble Organotellurium Chain Transfer Agent under Thermal and Photochemical Conditions.

Ab initio emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) using a water-soluble organotellurium chain transfer agent in the presence of the surfactant Brij 98 in water is reported. Polymerization proceeded under both thermal and visible light-irradiation conditions, giving poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with controlled molecular weight and low dispersity (Đ<1.5). Despite the formation of an opaque latex, the photoactivation of the organotellurium dormant species took place efficiently, as demonstrated by the quantitative monomer conversion and temporal control. Control of polymer particle size (PDI<0.030) was also achieved using a semi-batch monomer addition process. The PMMA polymer in the particles retained high end-group fidelity and was successfully used for the synthesis of block copolymers.