Abstract
In this paper we will describe the synthesis and characterization of a series of novel chain transfer agents for application in reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). The facile and mild conditions used for the synthesis of these new chain transfer agents should allow for the application of these methods for the preparation of a wide range of multifunctional chain transfer agent species. Some initial polymerization data for these multifunctional chain transfer agents is also reported.
Highlights
Since being reported in 1998, reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) has been used to polymerize a wide range of monomers, some of which were previously inaccessible with other CRP techniques, whilst maintaining good control over the molecular weight and polydispersity of the resultant polymer [1,2,3,4,5]
To avoid termination reactions and retain the pseudo living character of RAFT, Polymers 2009, 1 the leaving group, R, species must be a stable radical, and the fragmentation equilibrium must lie at the dormant species to keep the concentration of radicals low
In contrast to the air-sensitive routes which are conventionally used for the synthesis of RAFT chain transfer agents, the reported synthesis is tolerant to air and moisture, is high-yielding and can be carried out at room temperature
Summary
Since being reported in 1998, reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) has been used to polymerize a wide range of monomers, some of which were previously inaccessible with other CRP techniques, whilst maintaining good control over the molecular weight and polydispersity of the resultant polymer [1,2,3,4,5]. To avoid termination reactions and retain the pseudo living character of RAFT, Polymers 2009, 1 the leaving group, R, species must be a stable radical, and the fragmentation equilibrium must lie at the dormant species to keep the concentration of radicals low This can be achieved by appropriate design of the RAFT chain transfer agent species [6,7]. Variation in both the alkyl halide and replacement of the imidazole with a thiol, amine or alkoxy group affords related trithiocarbonate, dithiocarbamate or xanthate RAFT agents This synthetic strategy has recently been shown to be a facile route to a wide range of RAFT chain transfer agents in high yields [10]
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