Volume 58, Issue 33 pp. 11449-11453
Communication

Switchable Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization with the Assistance of Azobenzenes

Huijun Nie

Huijun Nie

Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Shenzhen Li

Shenzhen Li

Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Sijia Qian

Sijia Qian

Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China

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Dr. Zhongqiang Han

Corresponding Author

Dr. Zhongqiang Han

State Key Laboratory of Special Functional Waterproof Materials, Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co., Ltd., 100123 Beijing, China

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Prof. Wangqing Zhang

Corresponding Author

Prof. Wangqing Zhang

Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China

Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China

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First published: 12 June 2019
Citations: 38

Graphical Abstract

A little help from my azobenzenes: Photosensitive azobenzenes are used to regulate RAFT polymerization. With light switched alternatively off or on, azobenzenes of certain concentration result in RAFT polymerizations proceeding smoothly or being quenched.

Abstract

Modulating controlled radical polymerization is an interesting and important issue. Herein, modulating RAFT polymerization employing photosensitive azobenzenes is achieved. In the presence of azobenzenes and with visible light off, RAFT polymerization runs smoothly and follows a pseudo-first-order kinetics. In contrast, with light on, RAFT polymerization is greatly decelerated or quenched depending on the type and concentration of azobenzenes. Switchable RAFT polymerization of different (meth)acrylate monomers alternatively with light off and on is demonstrated. A mechanism of photoregulating RAFT polymerization involving radical quenching by azobenzenes is proposed.

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