Synthesis, Characterization and Molecular Modeling of Novel Oxoethyl methacrylate Polymers


Kayacık Bi̇li̇r S., ÇANKAYA N., Kebi̇roğlu M. H.

ACS Omega, vol.10, no.37, pp.42913-42932, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 10 Issue: 37
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1021/acsomega.5c05759
  • Journal Name: ACS Omega
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.42913-42932
  • Uşak University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The monomer 2-(2-methoxyphenylamino)-2-oxoethyl methacrylate (2MPAEMA) was synthesized and polymerized for the first time into its homopolymer and a copolymer with methyl methacrylate via free-radical polymerization. Structural verification was conducted using FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy, while thermal analysis confirmed the two-stage decomposition of both polymers. Quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ level supported the experimental data, revealing significant intramolecular interactions, electronic delocalization, and thermal stability. The homopolymer exhibited a narrower HOMO–LUMO gap (4.954 eV) than the copolymer (5.207 eV), implying enhanced charge-transport potential. Molecular Electrostatic Potential and Density of States analyses further confirmed well-defined charge distribution and greater orbital overlap in the homopolymer. These results provide new insights into the structure–property relationships of 2MPAEMA-based polymers, highlighting their potential for optoelectronic, sensing, and thermoresponsive applications. Future studies will explore their biological activity and functional performance in targeted environments. FT-IR/NMR, thermal analysis, and DFT collectively indicate that 2MPAEMA polymers are wide-band gap and thermally robust, suggesting their suitability as dielectric matrices or UV-absorbing hosts.