Polyelectrolyte as solvent and reaction medium.

A poly(ionic liquid) with a rather low glass transition temperature of -57°C was synthesized via free radical polymerization of an acrylate-type ionic liquid monomer. It exhibits fluidic behavior in a wide temperature range from room temperature to the threshold of the thermal decomposition. We demonstrate that it could act as a unique type of macromolecular solvent to dissolve various compounds and polymers and separate substances. In addition, this polyelectrolyte could serve successfully as reaction medium for catalysis and colloid particle synthesis. The synergy in the solvation and stabilization properties is a striking character of this polymer to downsize the in situ generated particles.