A Novel RAFT Polymerization under UV Radiation at Ambient Temperature

1Introduction Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization has become a highly versatile technique for the controlled/living radical polymerization of a wide range of monomers under various conditions[1,2]. The RAFT polymerization was carried out using a dithiocarboxylate or trithiocarbonate as a Chain Transfer Agent (CTA), which mediates the growing chain radicals via an equilibrium[1,2]. From both academic and industrial standpoints, it is clearly desirable to develop a RAFT process under mild conditions. Rizzardo, et al [3] and McCormick's group[4] have respectively reported RAFT polymerization using conventional radical initiators at ambient temperature by adjusting the structure of CTA. The RAFT Polymerization initiated by γ-radiation has also reported recently[5]. Quinn, et al [6] have reported the RAFT polymerization under UV radiation using CTA as the source of primary radicals at 42 ℃, which was well controlled at low conversions (below 20% ) but less controlled at higher conversions (over 20% ) due to the photolysis of CTA residues under UV radiation.