An investigation into the degree and rate of polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) in the ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate

Room‐temperature ionic liquids (ILs), including 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [bmim+][PF6−], were investigated as replacements for volatile organic compounds in the free‐radical solution polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The latter was synthesized in benzene and [bmim+][PF6−] at 70 °C via a free‐radical process and the degree and rate of polymerization were compared based on the solvent used. The degree of polymerization was found to be five times higher in [bmim+][PF6−] than in benzene, while the rate of reaction was approximately four times faster in [bmim+][PF6−]. The results indicate the potential for using ILs to produce high‐molecular‐weight polymers and block structures based on the increased free‐radical stability in ILs.