4-Vinylpyridine (4-VP) is a pyridine-functional vinyl monomer used to prepare poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) and related copolymers. The molecule combines a polymerizable vinyl group with a basic pyridine nitrogen, providing a route to polymers with protonatable and metal-coordinating functionality.
Synonyms: 4-VP; 4-Ethenylpyridine.
4-VP can be polymerized by conventional and controlled polymerization methods and incorporated into block, random, grafted, and crosslinked polymer architectures. After polymerization, pendant pyridine groups can undergo protonation under acidic conditions and interact with selected metal ions and hydrogen-bonding compounds.
These chemical features make 4-VP useful in research involving pH-responsive polymers, functional membranes, surface-grafted polymers, adsorption materials, and coordination-based polymer systems. Final behavior depends on polymer composition, molecular weight, architecture, crosslink density, pH, ionic strength, and processing conditions.
Key Properties
- Pyridine-functional vinyl monomer
- Chemical purity: > 94.5% by GC
- CAS Number: 100-43-6
- Molecular formula: C7H7N
- Molecular weight: 105.1 g/mol
- HQ inhibitor: 80–150 ppm
- Monomer refractive index: approximately 1.55
- Poly(4-vinylpyridine) homopolymer Tg: approximately 142°C
- Catalog number: 02668
- Package size: 100 g
Applications
Polymer & Copolymer Synthesis
4-Vinylpyridine is used to prepare poly(4-vinylpyridine) and pyridine-functional copolymers. Polymerization methods reported for 4-VP include conventional radical polymerization as well as controlled approaches such as ATRP and RAFT polymerization.
pH-Responsive Polymer Research
P4VP-containing materials are studied for pH-responsive behavior because pendant pyridine groups can become protonated under acidic conditions. Protonation changes polymer charge and can influence swelling, solubility, interfacial behavior, and membrane transport depending on the polymer architecture and surrounding medium.
Metal Coordination & Adsorption Materials
Pyridine nitrogen groups in 4-VP-derived polymers can coordinate selected metal ions. 4-VP has been incorporated into copolymers, grafted surfaces, and ion-imprinted materials studied for metal-ion adsorption, separation, and coordination chemistry.
Functional Membranes & Surface Grafting
4-VP has been grafted onto membrane and surface materials to introduce pyridine functionality. P4VP-containing membranes and films have been studied for pH-dependent transport, surface response, ion interaction, and other functional-material applications.
Compatibility & Bonding Considerations
- Contains a polymerizable vinyl group and a basic pyridine nitrogen
- Pyridine functionality can be protonated under acidic conditions after incorporation into a polymer
- Pyridine groups can participate in coordination interactions with selected metal ions
- Contains 80–150 ppm HQ inhibitor, which should be considered when establishing polymerization conditions
- Polymer response depends on composition, molecular weight, pH, ionic strength, crosslink density, and polymer architecture
The 142°C glass transition temperature associated with this chemistry is a property of poly(4-vinylpyridine), not the 4-vinylpyridine monomer. Likewise, pH-responsive swelling and charge behavior describe polymers containing protonatable pyridine groups rather than the isolated monomer itself.
Application Tips
- Account for the 80–150 ppm HQ inhibitor level when establishing polymerization conditions
- For radical polymerization studies, maintain consistent initiator concentration, temperature, oxygen exposure, and monomer composition across comparative experiments
- Control pH and ionic strength when evaluating protonation-dependent behavior of P4VP-containing polymers
- When studying metal-ion coordination or adsorption, evaluate polymer composition, pyridine-group accessibility, pH, and competing ions under the intended experimental conditions
Handling & Storage
- Store at -20°C in a well-ventilated location
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources
- Handle in a chemical fume hood or other adequately ventilated area
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
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FAQ
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1. What is 4-vinylpyridine used for?
4-Vinylpyridine is a pyridine-functional monomer used to prepare poly(4-vinylpyridine) and related copolymers. Research uses include pH-responsive polymers, functional membranes, surface-grafted materials, metal-ion coordination systems, and adsorption materials.
2. Are 4-vinylpyridine and poly(4-vinylpyridine) the same material?
No. 4-Vinylpyridine, or 4-VP, is the monomer. Poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) is the polymer produced from 4-VP. Properties such as the approximately 142°C glass transition temperature and pH-responsive polymer behavior refer to P4VP rather than the monomer.
3. Is 4-vinylpyridine the same as 2-vinylpyridine?
No. They are positional isomers in which the vinyl group is attached at different positions on the pyridine ring. Cat. 02668 is 4-vinylpyridine, CAS Number 100-43-6, and should not be treated as interchangeable with 2-vinylpyridine.
4. Does 4-vinylpyridine contain a polymerization inhibitor?
Yes. Cat. 02668 contains 80–150 ppm hydroquinone (HQ). The inhibitor level should be considered when establishing polymerization conditions.
5. What purity and package size are available for Cat. 02668?
Cat. 02668 has a purity specification of > 94.5% by GC and is available in a 100 g package. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
4-Vinylpyridine is a combustible, corrosive material with significant acute toxicity by ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation. Handle with appropriate ventilation and personal protective equipment. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling, storage, first-aid, transport, and disposal guidance.
