Abstract

The polymerization rate of methyl methacrylate photoinitiated by p-nitroacetanilide in the presence of triethylamine was measured as a function of the amine concentration in different media. The polymerization is more efficient in nonpolar medium (benzene/monomer). ESR studies show the formation of a nitro and an amino free radical, which are formed by photoinduced proton transfer from the amine to the nitro group. The amine radical is the active species that adds to the monomer. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.