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Related Concept Videos

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:20

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

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The polymerization process that involves carbanion as an intermediate is called anionic polymerization. It is also a type of addition or chain-growth polymerization. Anionic polymerization gets initiated by a strong nucleophile such as an organolithium or a Grignard reagent. The most commonly used initiator for anionic polymerization is butyl lithium. Monomers involved in anionic polymerization must possess a vinyl group bonded to one or two electron-withdrawing groups. For instance,...
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Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism00:57

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The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the...
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Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:04

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

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The mechanism for anionic chain-growth polymerization involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In the initiation step, a nucleophilic anion, such as butyl lithium, initiates the polymerization process by attacking the π bond of the vinylic monomer. As a result, a carbanion, stabilized by the electron‐withdrawing group, is generated. The resulting carbanion acts as a Michael donor in the propagation step and attacks the second vinylic monomer, which acts as a Michael...
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Ziegler–Natta Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:17

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Ziegler–Natta polymerization is another form of addition or chain‐growth polymerization used for synthesizing linear polymers over branched polymers. The catalyst used for polymerization is the Ziegler–Natta catalyst, named after Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta, who developed it in 1953. This catalyst is an organometallic complex of titanium tetrachloride and triethyl aluminum, with the active form of the catalyst being an alkyl titanium compound. Using the Ziegler–Natta...
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Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes02:35

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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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Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:03

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

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Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
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Updated: May 15, 2025

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
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Controlled anionic polymerization mediated by carbon dioxide.

Paige E Jacky1, Alexandra D Easley1, Brett P Fors2

  • 1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.

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|May 13, 2025
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a user-friendly anionic polymerization method for methacrylates using carbon dioxide (CO2). This innovation enhances safety and accessibility for producing well-defined polymers at elevated temperatures.

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Organic Synthesis
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Anionic polymerization offers precise control over polymer structure but faces limitations.
  • Sensitivity to impurities, harsh conditions, and hazardous initiators hinder practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a user-friendly, safe, and scalable anionic polymerization for methacrylates.
  • To overcome the limitations of traditional anionic polymerization methods.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized carbon dioxide (CO2) as a mediator for anionic polymerization.
  • Employed an easy-to-handle solid initiator for methacrylate polymerization.
  • Conducted polymerization at elevated temperatures.

Main Results:

  • Achieved narrow molar mass distributions in synthesized polymers.
  • Demonstrated excellent molecular weight targeting at elevated temperatures.
  • Developed a scalable and safer CO2-mediated polymerization process.

Conclusions:

  • The CO2-mediated anionic polymerization offers a more accessible and safer alternative.
  • This method facilitates the production of diverse polymeric materials.
  • Improves the practicality and widespread use of anionic polymerization techniques.