Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
Published on: April 22, 2016
Deaminatively generated carbocations as initiators of styrene polymerization
R W Darbeau1, M S Delaney, U Ramelow
1Department of Chemistry, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70609, USA. rdarbeau@acc.mcneese.edu
Abstract:
[reaction: see text] Addition polymerization is readily accomplished via free radicals and carbanions but conventional initiations via carbocations are limited principally by low initiator reactivity. Thermolyses of N-nitrosamides produce nitrogen-separated ion-pairs (NSIPs) containing exceedingly reactive carbocations. We report here the novel use of this facile mode of carbocation generation in the polymerization of styrene. Polystyrene of viscosity average molecular weight approximately 10(6) was obtained.
Related Concept Videos
Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

