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

## TL;DR

This paper shows that DMF, a common solvent, chemically modifies a polymer during functionalization, changing its properties.

## Contribution

The novel finding is the undocumented reactivity of DMF with SMAnh under lab conditions.

## Key findings

- DMF decomposes under lab conditions and modifies poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride).
- In situ generated dimethylamine reacts with anhydride units in the copolymer.

## 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.

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.