Reversible Deactivation Radical Polymerization: RAFT

Abstract

RAFT polymerization is a form of reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP), which with appropriate attention to reagents and reaction conditions can possess the attributes usually associated with living polymerization (molar mass control, low molar mass dispersity ( Đ ), high end‐group fidelity, capacity for continued chain growth, and access to complex architectures). This article provides an overview of the RAFT mechanism and guidelines for selection of conditions for RAFT polymerization (including selection of monomers, RAFT agents, and initiation processes) for the synthesis of blocks, stars, and networks. Finally, we provide details of methods for RAFT end‐group transformation/removal.