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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

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

3.0K
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...
3.0K
Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes02:35

Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes

9.1K
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.
9.1K
Radical Reactivity: Steric Effects01:10

Radical Reactivity: Steric Effects

2.3K
The presence of electron-donating, electron-withdrawing, or conjugating groups adjacent to a radical center, imparts electronic stabilization to the radicals. Examples of such electronically-stabilized radicals are triphenylmethyl, tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxide, and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl. These radicals are remarkably stable and are known as persistent radicals. Some of the persistent radicals can even be isolated and purified.
Along with electronic...
2.3K
Radical Reactivity: Overview01:11

Radical Reactivity: Overview

2.5K
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...
2.5K
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching01:17

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching

2.3K
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...
2.3K

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Updated: Dec 14, 2025

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
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Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst

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Progress Toward Sustainable Reversible Deactivation Radical Polymerization.

Philip B V Scholten1,2, Dafni Moatsou2, Christophe Detrembleur1

  • 1Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules, CESAM Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Liege, Sart-Tilman B6a, Liege, 4000, Belgium.

Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|July 21, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Many reported renewable monomers and polymers are not truly sustainable. This review critically examines renewable monomers for reversible deactivation radical polymerizations (RDRP), identifying truly sustainable options and future research needs.

Keywords:
green chemistryrenewable monomersreversible deactivation radical polymerizationsustainability

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Sustainable Materials Science
  • Green Chemistry

Background:

  • Growing interest in renewable monomers and polymers driven by green chemistry and circular economy initiatives.
  • Widespread synthesis of monomers and polymers with claims of renewability.
  • Need for critical evaluation of sustainability claims in polymer science.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review renewable monomers for reversible deactivation radical polymerizations (RDRP).
  • To identify and discuss fully renewable monomers based on sustainability of synthesis and starting materials.
  • To highlight areas for progress toward sustainable monomers and polymers via RDRP.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review focusing on renewable monomers for RDRP.
  • Analysis of synthetic routes and starting material origins for renewability assessment.
  • Evaluation of polymerization behavior and resulting polymer properties.

Main Results:

  • Many reported "renewable" monomers and polymers lack accurate sustainability claims.
  • Identification of fully renewable monomers with detailed discussion on their properties.
  • Holistic assessment of the polymer preparation process, including synthesis, solvents, RDRP type, and purification.

Conclusions:

  • A critical and holistic approach is necessary to validate claims of monomer and polymer renewability.
  • Further research is needed to develop truly sustainable monomers and polymers using RDRP techniques.
  • Addressing synthesis, starting materials, solvents, and purification is key to advancing sustainable polymer production.