Thermal Degradation of Model Compounds for the Head-to-Head Linkage in Poly (t-butyl methacrylate)

Abstract

Thermal degradation of two compounds, di-t-butyl meso-and dl-2, 3-dimethyl-2, 3-di (2, 2, 2-trichloroethyl) succinates, which are models for the head-to-head linkage in poly (t-butyl methacrylate) was carried out at 180°C. Acid anhydrides were formed by the elimination of isobutene to give dicarboxyl compounds, followed by cyclodehydration. The dl-form showed higher reactivity in cyclodehydration due to the lower rotational barrier than the meso-form.