Synthesis and characterization of optically active and functional terpolymer of citronellol, styrene, and methyl methacrylate: A kinetic study

Synthesis of a series of novel terpolymers, consisting of two electron‐donating monomers, viz. citronellol (optically active) and styrene, with one electron‐accepting monomer, i.e. methyl methacrylate, using benzoyl peroxide as radical initiator and xylene as diluent at 80°C for 2 h has been extensively studied. The system follows ideal kinetics with an overall activation energy of 33 kJ mol −1 . The formation of the terpolymer is confirmed by the presence of peaks at 7–8 δ because of phenyl group, 3.4–4 δ because of methoxy group, and 7–7.7 δ because of alcoholic group in 1 H NMR spectrum of the terpolymer. Further, the bands at 2900 cm −1 , 1750 cm −1 , and 3400 cm −1 , observed in FTIR spectrum of terpolymer, evidence the presence of phenyl, methoxy, and alcoholic group respectively. The monomer feed–terpolymer composition was determined by the Kelen–Tudos method. The values of reactivity ratios are r 1 (MMA) = 0.9 and r 2 (styrene + citronellol) = 0.02.