Diminishing catalyst concentration in atom transfer radical polymerization with reducing agents

The concept of initiators for continuous activator regeneration (ICAR) in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is introduced, whereby a constant source of organic free radicals works to regenerate the Cu(I) activator, which is otherwise consumed in termination reactions when used at very low concentrations. With this technique, controlled synthesis of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) (Mw/Mn

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• CM
  Carnegie Mellon University
• DO
  Division of Materials Research
• DO
  Division of Chemistry