The amidation of poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) via N,N-dimethylformamide decomposition

Abstract

Dimethylformamide (DMF), a commonly employed solvent during poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (SMAnh) functionalization, was noted to decompose and chemically modify the copolymer under laboratory relevant conditions. The in situ generation of dimethylamine resulted in modification of anhydride repeat units, highlighting an undocumented reactivity of DMF with SMAnh which could influence copolymer identity and reactivity.