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Related Concept Videos

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:09

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

2.8K
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...
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Radical Reactivity: Overview01:11

Radical Reactivity: Overview

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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 Formation: Abstraction00:47

Radical Formation: Abstraction

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The electron of an atom can be abstracted from a compound by a relatively unstable radical to generate a new radical of relatively greater stability. For example, an initiator which forms radicals by homolysis can abstract a suitable species like a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom from a compound to generate a new radical. This ability of radicals to propagate by abstraction is a crucial feature of radical chain reactions.
Even though homolysis produces radicals, it is different from radical...
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Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:10

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

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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

8.2K
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

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching

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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
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Ultrasonication-Induced Aqueous Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization.

Zhenhua Wang1,2, Zhanhua Wang1, Xiangcheng Pan3

  • 1The State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.

ACS Macro Letters
|May 28, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Ultrasonication-induced atom transfer radical polymerization (sono-ATRP) in water offers precise control over polymer synthesis. This green chemistry approach enables the creation of advanced materials like block copolymers and biohybrids.

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Facile Synthesis of Worm-like Micelles by Visible Light Mediated Dispersion Polymerization Using Photoredox Catalyst
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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Green Chemistry
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) is a versatile method for synthesizing polymers with controlled architectures.
  • Developing environmentally friendly polymerization techniques in aqueous media is crucial for sustainable chemistry.
  • Traditional ATRP often requires specific conditions and catalysts that may not be ideal for aqueous systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel ultrasonication-induced atom transfer radical polymerization (sono-ATRP) method in aqueous media.
  • To demonstrate precise control over polymer molecular weight, dispersity, and chain-end functionality.
  • To explore the temporal control of polymerization and the synthesis of complex polymer architectures.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized ultrasonication (40 kHz, 110 W) to initiate and control ATRP in water at room temperature.
  • Employed low concentrations (ppm) of CuBr2 catalyst and tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine ligand.
  • Polymerized water-soluble monomers including oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate (OEOMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA).

Main Results:

  • Successfully achieved controlled polymerization of OEOMA and HEA in water using sono-ATRP.
  • Demonstrated excellent control over molecular weight, low dispersity, and high retention of chain-end functionality.
  • Showcased temporal control by switching ultrasound on/off, attributed to hydroxyl radical-mediated activator regeneration.
  • Synthesized well-defined block copolymers and DNA-polymer biohybrids using the developed sono-ATRP process.

Conclusions:

  • Ultrasonication-induced ATRP in aqueous media is a viable and efficient method for polymer synthesis.
  • This sono-ATRP technique offers excellent control and temporal responsiveness, suitable for complex polymer architectures.
  • The method presents a greener alternative for synthesizing advanced polymers and biohybrids in water.