Synthesis and characterization of novel acrylic copolymers: Determination of monomer reactivity ratios and biological activity

Methacrylate based monomer 2,4-dichlorophenyl methacrylate (2,4-DMA) was synthesized by reacting 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DP) with methacryloyl chloride in ethanol. The free radical initiated copolymerization of 2,4DMA with methyl acrylate (MA) was carried out in toluene solution at 70 °C using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator with different monomer feed ratios. The monomer 2,4DMA was characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectral studies. The copolymers were characterized by IR-spectroscopy. The copolymer composition obtained by UV-spectra led to the determination of reactivity ratios employing Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos linearization methods. The solubility of the polymers was tested in various polar and non-polar solvents. Gel permeation chromatography was employed to determine the molecular weights (Mw and Mn) and polydispersity index of polymers. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers reveals that the thermal stability of the copolymers increases with increase in the mole fraction of 2,4-DMA in the copolymers. The prepared homo and copolymers were tested for their antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi and yeast.