Living Radical Polymerization by the RAFT Process - A Second Update

• Published in: Australian journal of chemistry Vol. 62; no. 11; pp. 1402 - 1472
• Main Authors: Moad, Graeme, Rizzardo, Ezio, Thang, San H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Collingwood, Victoria: CSIRO Publishing 01.01.2009
• ISSN: 0004-9425
• DOI: 10.1071/CH09311

This paper provides a second update to the review of reversible deactivation radical polymerization achieved with thiocarbonylthio compounds (ZC(=S)SR) by a mechanism of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) that was published in June 2005 (Aust. J. Chem. 2005, 58, 379-410). The first update was published in November 2006 (Aust. J. Chem. 2006, 59, 669-692). This review cites over 500 papers that appeared during the period mid-2006 to mid-2009 covering various aspects of RAFT polymerization ranging from reagent synthesis and properties, kinetics and mechanism of polymerization, novel polymer syntheses and a diverse range of applications. Significant developments have occurred, particularly in the areas of novel RAFT agents, techniques for end-group removal and transformation, the production of micro/nanoparticles and modified surfaces, and biopolymer conjugates both for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.