Kinetics of quaternization reactions of polymeric amines

Abstract

The paper deals with kinetics phenomena occurring in the quaternization of some polymeric amines, such as poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate], poly{N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-acrylamide}, and poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate], with alkyl halides. The accelerating and slowing-down effects which take place in the alkylation reactions are discussed on the basis of the reaction course, i.e. of the dependence of differential rate constants on the conversion fraction of the reaction. Accelaration of the reaction is affected by the increasing polarity of microsurroundings of the reacting groups, while electrostatic and steric hindrances of the reacted groups slow down the reaction. Conformational effects, chemical and solvation interactions in the polymer-solvent-alkylating agent system and tacticity of the polymer are also operative.