New self-crosslinkable copolymers based onN-methyl-N-vinylbenzylpyrrolidinium halide and methyl methacrylate

Thermally-induced self-crosslinking behaviour has been found in copolymers containing N-methyl-N-vinylbenzylpyrrolidinium chloride (MVBPC) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). NMR, IR and low molecular weight model reactions demonstrate that this crosslinking reaction occurs between the methyl ester groups of the MMA units and the quaternary ammonium salts, with the resulting benzyl esters forming chemical links between the MVBPC and MMA units with the formation of N,N-dimethylpyrrolidinium chloride. Similar crosslinking behaviour has also been found when the Cl− anion is replaced by Br− and I−, but not in the case of BF as counter anion.