The polymer shown here is synthesized by hydroxide ion-promoted hydrolysis of an alternating copolymer of para-nitrophenyl methacrylate and acrylate.
a. Propose a mechanism for the formation of the alternating copolymer.
b. Explain why hydrolysis of the copolymer to form the polymer occurs much more rapidly than hydrolysis of para-nitrophenyl acetate.

Transcribed Image Text:

CH3 CH CH3 HOT CH2- +CH2 H2O CO2 Co2 polymer CO2 acrylate NO2 NO2 alternating copolymer para-nitrophenyl methacrylate CH3C NO2 para-nitrophenyl acetate