New Methacrylate Copolymers Based on the Benzofurane Ring: Synthesis, Characterization, Monomer Reactivity Ratios and Biological Activity

The free radical copolymerization of (5-bromo-1-Benzofuran-2-yl)(phenyl)-O-methacrylketoxime (BPMKO) with 2-(4-acetylphenoxy)-2-oxoethyl-2-methylacrylate(AOEMA) has been carried out in 1, 4-dioxane at 65 degrees C +/- 1 and was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and gel permeation chromatography. Elemental analysis was used to determine the molar fractions of BPMKO and AOEMA in the copolymers. The monomer-reactivity ratios were calculated according to the general copolymerization equation using Kelen-Tudos and Finemann-Ross linearization methods. The reactivity ratios indicated a tendency toward random copolymerization. The polydispersity indices of the polymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography and suggested a strong tendency for chain termination by disproportionation. The thermal behaviors of copolymers with various compositions were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The glass-transition temperature of the copolymers increased with increasing BPMKO content in the copolymers. All the products showed moderate activity against different strains of bacteria and fungi.