Synlett 2016; 27(05): 702-713
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1561264
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Organic Catalysts for Photocontrolled Polymerizations

Jacob T. Trotta
Cornell University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA   Email: bpf46@cornell.edu
,
Brett P. Fors*
Cornell University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA   Email: bpf46@cornell.edu
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 28 October 2015

Accepted: 24 November 2015

Publication Date:
21 January 2016 (online)


Abstract

Photocontrolled polymerization is an emerging field of study in which catalysis with organic-based dyes has enabled the practical and inexpensive synthesis of well-defined, spatially and temporally controlled polymeric structures. Herein, we review the current progress in the development of organic catalysts for photoregulated polymerizations. In particular, we highlight advances in metal-free variants of photomediated controlled radical polymerizations. In addition, we examine how the unique properties of these catalysts allow the development of two mechanistically distinct chain-growth polymerizations controlled by light.

1 Introduction

2 Photocontrolled Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP)

3 Photocontrolled Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT)

4 Reversible Complexation-Mediated Polymerization (RCMP)

5 Photocontrolled Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)

6 Conclusion and Future Outlook