Controlled/living radical polymerization

Abstract

Until a little more than a decade ago, controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) would have been an oxymoron. Full control over all aspects of radical polymerization was deemed well-nigh impossible because radical termination reactions occur at diffusion-controlled rates. However, there are now several procedures for controlling radical polymerization, and corporations are introducing products based on CRP into numerous high-value markets. This review briefly summarizes the evolution of CRP, describes some of the materials that can now be prepared, and highlights some of the commercialization efforts currently underway.