Microwave-assisted homogeneous polymerizations in water-soluble ionic liquids : an alternative and green approach for polymer synthesis

Water-sol. ionic liqs. (IL) were used as reaction media to perform homogeneous polymns. under microwave irradn. The investigated reaction systems include the free radical polymn. of Me methacrylate and the cationic ring opening polymns. of 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline and 2-(m-difluorophenyl)- 2-oxazoline. The incorporation of ILs into the polymns. showed a more efficient heating profile of the reaction mixts. under microwave irradn. in comparison to the cases without ILs. Moreover, a convenient approach for the polymer isolation and recovery of the ILs for further polymns. is demonstrated taking advantage of the water soly. of the investigated ILs. This synthetic approach is an alternative, efficient, and green method for the manuf. of hydrophobic polymers which may allow depletion of the emission of volatile org. compds. into the environment and for energy savings.