Synthesis and Characterization of Post-Metallocene Complex and Optimization of Reaction Conditions by RSM for Polymerization of MMA

Abstract A novel tridentate dianionic ligand, [2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-benzylamino) acetic acid], was successfully synthesized and employed in the formation of a new six-coordinate titanium complex with the general formula [TiLCl2THF]. Additionally, the catalytic activity of the complex, in the presence of a сoсatalyst was evaluated in an aqueous medium, revealing efficient catalytic activity for the homo-polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in aqueous medium under mild reaction conditions. To verify the structure of the complex, various instrumental techniques were employed, including 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-visible) and elemental analysis. These analyses provided valuable insights into the composition and bonding of the complex. Furthermore, the properties of the resulting polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were thoroughly investigated using a range of techniques, including 1H NMR, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Gel permeation chromatography (GPC). These analyses helped to elucidate the structural and thermal characteristics and molecular weight of the synthesized PMMA. The reaction conditions for the polymerization of MMA using the complex were also optimized through a response surface methodology approach, ensuring the highest efficiency and yield in the polymerization process. The developed RSM model demonstrated reasonable agreement between predicted and experimental PMMA yield values within the investigated operating range.