Macroporous copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate with ethylene dimethacrylate [poly(GMA-co-EDMA)] were prepared using poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene of various molecular weights as a porogen, either pure or in toluene solution. The polymeric porogen remains partly incorporated in the polymer beads. The effect of the polymeric porogen on the shape and size of the particles, porous structure and particle morphology has been studied. The fraction of the oxirane groups accessible to chemical reaction with variously bulky substrates was determined in the particles. Accessibility of the oxirane groups was characterized by the e.p.r. spin-label technique. Quaternary ammonium derivatives of poly(GMA-co-EDMA) exhibited high catalytic activity in nucleophilic substitution.
