The persistent radical effect in controlled radical polymerizations

Abstract

We describe the basic kinetic features of “living” polymerizations controlled and regulated by persistent radicals or related species and by reversible atom transfer. In these systems a special kinetic phenomenon operates—the Persistent Radical Effect. It is also known from selective organic syntheses and reflects a self-inhibition of the termination reaction. Analytical equations for the polymerization rates and for the polydispersities of the resulting polymers are presented, and important requirements for reaction rate constants leading to control are outlined. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 1885–1901, 1999