Radical Addition-Fragmentation Chemistry and RAFT Polymerization

G. Moad, E. Rizzardo, S. H. Thang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Researchpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter traces the development of addition-fragmentation chain transfer agents and related ring-opening monomers highlighting recent innovation in these areas. The major part of this chapter deals with reagents that give reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). These reagents include dithioesters, trithiocarbonates, dithiocarbamates, and xanthates. The RAFT process is a versatile method for conferring living characteristics on radical polymerizations providing unprecedented control over molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, composition, and architecture. It is suitable for most monomers polymerizable by radical polymerization and is robust under a wide range of reaction conditions. It provides a route to functional polymers, cyclopolymers, gradient copolymers, block polymers, and star polymers.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPolymer Science: A Comprehensive Reference, 10 Volume Set
EditorsG.W. Coates, M. Sawamoto
Place of PublicationAmsterdam Netherlands
PublisherElsevier
Chapter3
Pages181-226
Number of pages46
Volume10
Edition3
ISBN (Electronic)9780444533494
ISBN (Print)9780080878621
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Addition-fragmentation
  • Allyl sulfide
  • Chain transfer
  • Degenerate
  • Dithiocarbamate
  • Dithioester
  • Macromonomer
  • Polymerization
  • Radical
  • RAFT
  • RDRP
  • Reversible deactivation
  • Ring-opening polymerization
  • Trithiocarbonate
  • Xanthate

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