Catalyst-Free, Visible-Light-Induced Step-Growth Polymerization by a Photo-RAFT Single-Unit Monomer Insertion Reaction
Zhuang Li, Jiajia Li, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu
Abstract
Photoinduced polymerization is an attractive technique with the advantages of easy operation, mild conditions, and excellent temporospatial controllability. However, the application of this technique in step-growth polymerization is highly challenging. Here, we present a catalyst-free, visible-light-induced step-growth polymerization method utilizing a photo-RAFT single-unit monomer insertion reaction between the xanthate and vinyl ether groups. Benefitting from this reaction, a pendant cationic RAFT agent can be generated in each repeating unit of the polymer backbone. Both cationic and radical side chain extensions were successfully realized, providing a facile approach for the postpolymerization of step-growth polymers for the development of various functional polymeric materials.