Controlled/"Living" Radical Polymerization. Halogen Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Promoted by a Cu(I)/Cu(II) Redox Process

ABSTRACT: An extension of atom transfer radical addition, ATRA, to atom transfer radical polymeri-zation, ATRP, provided a new and efficient way to conduct controlled/living radical polymerization. By using a simple alkyl halide, R-X (X = C1 and Br), as an initiator and a transition metal species complexed by suitable ligand(s), Mtfl/LX, e.g., CuX/2,2-bipyridine, as a catalyst, ATRP of vinyl monomers such as styrenes and (meth)acrylates proceeded in a living fashion, yielding polymers with degrees of polymer-ization predetermined by A[Ml/[Ilo up to M, RZ lo5 and low polydispersities, 1.1 M J M, 1.5. The participation of free radical intermediates was supported by analysis of the end groups and the stereochemistry of the polymerization. The general principle and the mechanism of ATRP are elucidated. Various factors affecting the ATRP process are discussed.