Organometallic Mediated Radical Polymerization
Résumé
The term ‘Organometallic Mediated Radical Polymerization (OMRP)’ encompasses all controlled radical polymerizations that make use of dormant species containing a direct bond between the metal atom and the growing radical chain. The dormant species can be activated by either dissociation of the metal-carbon bond (OMRP-RT for ‘reversible termination’) or by an associative exchange with a second radical (OMRP-DT for ‘degenerative transfer’). Transition metals may be involved in a number of other one-electron processes that can interplay or interfere with OMRP. In addition to the interplay between dissociative and associative radical exchange processes, the chain carrying radical may also abstract atoms or groups, transfer H• to the metal leading to catalytic chain transfer, or couple with a latent chain leading to catalyzed radical termination. A strategy for the elimination, recovery, and recycling of the metal complex is also discussed.