Synthesis of styrene, acetate, and acrylate derivatives bearing the 1,2,3-triazole-4,5-
dicarboxylate moiety through Cu-free Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions are presented.
Following synthesis, the monomers were copolymerized with styrene and n-butyl
acrylate via nitroxide mediated radical polymerization (NMP) methodology to afford
these triazole macroplasticizers to act as phthalate mimics. The copolymers were then
blended in 20%, 40%, and 60% synthetic copolymer – PVC ratios to be analyzed by
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These macroplasticizers provide the opportunity
for further elaboration and could become an effective replacement for common phthalate
plasticizers.