Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
The reaction of {(BuSn)12014(OH)6}(OH)2 and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid yields bifunctional nanobuilding blocks, {(BuSn)12,014(OH)6)(AAMPS)2, which carry highly polymerizable acrylamido groups. In such species, the functionalization with polymerizable groups is achieved through electrostatic interaction; the charge compensating anions AAMPS− being located at both poles of the {(BuSn)12O14(OH)6}2+ macrocation. Free radical polymerization of these nanobuilding blocks in THF yields an insoluble material. Solid state 13C CP-MAS NMR of the insoluble fraction (∼70%) indicates that the polymerization of the acrylamido groups is complete. Solid state 119Sn MAS NMR shows that the oxo-hydroxo butyltin core of the nanobuilding blocks is fully preserved in the final material.