Polymerization of methacrylates containing furan nuclei with different electron‐donor capacity

The polymerization of furfuryl methacrylate (FMA) and carbomethoxyfurfuryl methacrylate (CMFMA) has been studied. It has been established that under equal conditions the rate of CMFMA polymerization is greater than the rate of polymerization of FMA. The temperature dependence of the rate constants showed that the polymerization of FMA is associated with a greater energy of activation. These results are explained by π‐complex formation between the furan nuclei on the one hand and the methacrylic double bonds or the growing methacrylic radicals on the other. Complex stability depends on the electron‐donor capacity of the furan nuclei.