Synthesis of ultrahigh molar mass, structural defects free poly(vinyl chloride) with high syndiotacticity and glass transition temperature by single electron transfer–degenerative chain transfer living radical polymerization (SET–DTLRP)

SET–DTLRP of VC initiated with CHI3 and catalyzed by Na2S2O4 in water at 21 °C produces ultrahigh molar mass poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). These PVCs with Mn of 160,000–200,000 have higher glass transition temperature and thermal stability than the highest molecular weight PVC that is commercially available (Mn = 113,000).