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Xanthate Disulfide-Mediated RAFT Polymerization Toward Oxygen Tolerance.
Fubang Huang1, Fei Wang1, Shuang Han1
1Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Frontier Material Physics and Devices, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, P. R. China.
This study introduces a new method for oxygen-tolerant reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using a xanthate disulfide. This approach allows for controlled polymer synthesis directly in open air, simplifying the process.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
- Materials Science
Background:
- Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is a key technique for synthesizing well-defined polymers.
- Oxygen tolerance in polymerization simplifies experimental conditions and broadens applications.
- Developing efficient and minimalist iniferters is crucial for advancing controlled radical polymerization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of symmetrical diethyl xanthogen disulfide (XD) as a single agent for initiating, transferring, and terminating RAFT polymerization.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of fully oxygen-tolerant RAFT polymerization under open-air conditions.
- To establish a minimalist strategy for controlled radical polymerization.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing diethyl xanthogen disulfide (XD) as an iniferter for RAFT polymerization of methacrylate (MA).
- Conducting polymerization experiments under open-air conditions without inert atmosphere.
- Characterizing polymer products using 1H-NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to confirm end-group fidelity and molecular weight distribution.
Main Results:
- Diethyl xanthogen disulfide (XD) effectively initiated and regulated the RAFT polymerization of MA in the presence of oxygen.
- High end-group fidelity was confirmed, indicating successful control over the polymerization process.
- The study demonstrated successful open-air RAFT polymerization, highlighting the oxygen tolerance of the system.
Conclusions:
- Sulfur-centered xanthate radical initiation is a viable and effective strategy for oxygen-tolerant reversible-deactivation radical polymerizations (RDRPs).
- The use of XD as a single iniferter agent offers a powerful and minimalist approach to controlled polymerization.
- This method simplifies experimental procedures, making advanced polymer synthesis more accessible.
