Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) was functionalized with a hydroquinone/catechot under the reaction conditions of Minisci. Optimum conditions for maximum functionalization (52%) were found to be as follows: [benzoquinone]/[PMAA] ratio, 0.75; reaction time, 3 h; temperature, 75'C; and a nitrogen atmosphere. Redox properties of hydroquinone/catechol-modified PMAA (PMAA-HQ) were evaluated by their midpotentials potentiometrically estimated to be 898 mV at 20 degrees C. At 35 degrees C, a two-stage oxidation was observed with a midpotential of 1000 mV. These mid-potentials were found to be higher than those of hydroquinone, catechol, and a 1 : 1 hydroquinone-catechol mixture, under the same conditions of potentiometric fitration. Under the modification reaction conditions, the modified PMAA underwent severe degradation. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.