Sequence-Encoded RAFT Oligomers and Polymers

In this chapter so-called sequence-defined (SD), discrete polymers (Ð = 1) obtained via RAFT are introduced. SD oligomers are a subclass of sequence/controlled polymers where single monomers rather than disperse blocks (Ð > 1) are inserted into a chain. Because RAFT (or any other RDRP technique) is inherently governed by statistical addition of monomers to growing chain ends, a stepwise addition of single monomer units must rely on either overcoming the statistical nature by selective insertion of single units into the initiator or control agent, or on the separation of mixtures of oligomers obtained after polymerization. Both strategies will be discussed in the following.