Functional monomers and copolymers thereof

Abstract

Novel copolymerizable esters of cinnamic acid or an .omega.-alkenoic acid of from 4 to 18 carbon atoms, such as undecylenic acid, with certain hydroxyalkane sulfonic acids, such as isethionic acid, are described together with processes of making them and copolymers thereof. These novel copolymerizable esters may be made by reaction of the .omega.-alkenoic or cinnamic acid with the hydroxyalkane sulfonic acid or a sultone, such as propane sultone. These novel ester are useful as copolymerizable surfactants in the emulsion polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers; particularly for the production of self-stabilizing latices of polymeric materials possessing excellent mechanical stability and from which can be deposited films having improved adhesion, pigment wetting and bonding properties and greatly improved resistance to water. They are also useful as comonomers for the production of polymeric materials having sulfonic acid functionality, such as polyelectrolyte materials based on acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, acrylates, methacrylates, styrene, etc.; for example, when used as a comonomer in the production of fibers and films based on the above monomers, they impart improved dye receptivity and anti-static properties to the polymeric fibers and films so made.