A hybrid supported nickel catalyst for the controlled radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate

A hybrid nickel-copper catalyst, which consists of a small ratio of copper catalyst and the supported nickel catalyst prepared by anchoring the nickel chloride on the cross-linking polyacrylate ion-exchange resin, has an effective catalytic activity for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. The catalyst affords polymers with predetermined molecular weight and relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.26-1.67). The supported catalyst can be removed from the reaction medium by simple centrifugation with a low level of residual metal in the resulting polymer (5-7 ppm Ni, 12-29 ppm Cu). The supported nickel catalyst can be recycled conveniently with a relatively high catalytic activity without any regeneration treatment.