Polychloromethylstyrene microspheres: Synthesis and characterization

The synthesis and characterization of polychloromethylstyrene microspheres are described. The effect of various factors, e.g., monomer concentration, surfactant concentration, solvents, crosslinker, etc., on the yield, diameter, and size distribution of these microspheres was elucidated. Conditions to covalently bind various primary amino ligands to these microspheres in aqueous solution were also established. The possible routes to modify the surface of these microspheres to obtain functional groups other than chloromethyl are discussed.