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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
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Redox-switchable atom transfer radical polymerization.

Sajjad Dadashi-Silab1, Francesca Lorandi, Marco Fantin

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. km3b@andrew.cmu.edu.

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|December 20, 2018
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces redox-switchable atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Chemical oxidants can now halt polymerization by deactivating the copper catalyst, with ascorbic acid reactivating it.

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Organic Synthesis

Background:

  • Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) relies on copper catalyst oxidation state for temporal control.
  • Polymerization is activated by L/CuI and deactivated by L/CuII.
  • Activating the catalyst (regenerating L/CuI) is well-established, but chemical deactivation has not been explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a redox-switchable ATRP system.
  • To investigate chemical stimuli for deactivating the copper catalyst in ATRP.
  • To demonstrate efficient temporal control over polymerization using chemical switches.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a redox-switchable ATRP system.
  • Utilizing oxidizing agents (ferrocenium salt or oxygen) to convert L/CuI to L/CuII, halting polymerization.
  • Employing ascorbic acid to regenerate L/CuI, thereby restarting polymerization.

Main Results:

  • Successful implementation of a redox-switchable ATRP.
  • Demonstrated efficient deactivation of the copper catalyst using chemical oxidants.
  • Showcased effective reactivation of the catalyst using ascorbic acid.
  • Maintained control over polymerization throughout the switching process.

Conclusions:

  • A novel redox-switchable ATRP was successfully developed.
  • Chemical stimuli can effectively control the copper catalyst's oxidation state, enabling "on-off" polymerization control.
  • This method offers precise temporal control over polymerization without compromising polymer properties.