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Related Concept Videos

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:09

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

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The radical chain-growth polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination of polymerization. The polymerization initiates when a free radical generated from the radical initiator adds to the unsaturated bond in the monomer. The unpaired electron of the free radical and one π electron in the unsaturated bond creates a σ bond between the free radical and the monomer. As a result, the other π electron in the unsaturated bond converts this species into...
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Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:10

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Chain-growth or addition polymerization is successive addition reactions of monomers with a polymer chain. In radical chain-growth polymerization, the reaction proceeds via a free-radical intermediate. The free radical is formed from radical initiators, which spontaneously generate free radicals by homolytic fission. Organic peroxides (such as dibenzoyl peroxide, as shown in Figure 1) or azo compounds are popular radical initiators. A low concentration ratio of radical initiator to monomer is...
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Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes02:35

Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes

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The conversion of alkenes to macromolecules called polymers is a reaction of high commercial importance. The structure of the polymer is defined by a repeating unit, while the terminal groups are considered insignificant. The average degree of polymerization represents the number of repeating units in the polymer molecule and is denoted by the subscript n.
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Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching01:17

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The skeletal structure of polymers synthesized via radical polymerization is always branched. For example, the polymerization of ethylene by radical polymerization results in a low-density grade of polyethylene with a heavily branched skeletal structure. Here, the radical site abstracts hydrogen from the growing chain, and the radical site shifts from the end (a primary carbon center) to anywhere within the growing chain (a secondary carbon center). Consequently, the part of the chain from the...
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Radical Reactivity: Overview01:11

Radical Reactivity: Overview

3.0K
Radicals, the highly reactive species, gain stability by undergoing three different reactions. The first reaction involves a radical-radical coupling, in which a radical combines with another radical, forming a spin‐paired molecule. The second reaction is between a radical and a spin‐paired molecule, generating a new radical and a new spin‐paired molecule. The third reaction is radical decomposition in a unimolecular reaction, forming a new radical and a spin‐paired...
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Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals01:16

Radical Reactivity: Nucleophilic Radicals

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Radicals adjacent to electron-donating groups are called nucleophilic radicals. These radicals readily react with electrophilic alkenes. The SOMO–LUMO interactions are the driving force for the reaction, where the high-energy SOMO of the electron-rich, nucleophilic radicals interacts with the low-energy LUMO of the electron-deficient, electrophilic alkenes. Such SOMO–LUMO interactions are the basis of reactive radical traps, affecting the selectivity in radical reactions. For...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
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Radical-Mediated Enzymatic Polymerizations.

Scott R Zavada1, Tsatsral Battsengel2, Timothy F Scott3

  • 1Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. szavada@umich.edu.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 6, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Enzymes initiate polymerization reactions efficiently and sustainably under mild conditions. This enzyme-mediated polymerization is ideal for in situ applications like biomedical adhesives and sensors.

Keywords:
ATRPenzymesoxidaseoxidative couplingperoxidasepolymerizationthiol–enevinyl

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Area of Science:

  • Biocatalysis
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Traditional polymerization relies on harsh initiators (heat, light, chemicals).
  • Enzymes offer efficient, environmentally friendly alternatives for polymerization.
  • Oxidases and peroxidases are key enzymes for initiating radical polymerization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore enzyme-mediated polymerization as a sustainable method.
  • To highlight the advantages of using enzymes for initiating polymerization reactions.
  • To showcase applications of enzyme-mediated polymerization, particularly for in situ formation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing enzymes (oxidases, peroxidases) to generate radicals.
  • Initiating various radical polymerization techniques (vinyl chain-growth, ATRP, thiol-ene, oxidative coupling).
  • Focusing on in situ polymerization where polymers form at the point of use.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated enzyme efficiency in initiating diverse polymerization types.
  • Showcased the mild reaction conditions enabled by enzymatic catalysis.
  • Validated enzyme-mediated polymerization for in situ applications.

Conclusions:

  • Enzyme-mediated polymerization provides a green and efficient route to polymers.
  • This method is particularly advantageous for in situ polymer formation.
  • Applications in biomedical adhesives and sensing technologies are promising.