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Xanthate Mediated Living Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate: A Systematic Variation in MADIX/RAFT Agent Structure
Author(s) -
Stenzel Martina H.,
Cummins Lyndal,
Roberts G. Evan,
Davis Thomas P.,
Vana Philipp,
BarnerKowollik Christopher
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
macromolecular chemistry and physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.57
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1521-3935
pISSN - 1022-1352
DOI - 10.1002/macp.200390089
Subject(s) - xanthate , vinyl acetate , chemistry , raft , polymerization , dispersity , reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer polymerization , polymer chemistry , chain transfer , sulfanyl , radical polymerization , organic chemistry , copolymer , polymer
Abstract Eight xanthates were synthesized to induce living free radical polymerization of vinyl acetate. Four compounds, methyl (4‐methoxyphenoxy)carbonothioylsulfanyl acetate, methyl (methoxycarbonothioyl)sulfanyl acetate, methyl (ethoxycarbonothioyl)sulfanyl acetate and methyl (isopropoxycarbonothioyl)sulfanyl acetate were identified as suitable MADIX/RAFT agents, yielding low polydispersity ( PDI < 1.2) poly(vinyl acetate) of molecular weights exceeding 5 × 10 4 g · mol −1 . All suitable MADIX/RAFT agents exhibited extended periods of inhibition (0.3 h < t inh < 10 h) and moderate rate retardation. The ability of these compounds to control vinyl acetate polymerization can be correlated with the electron density on the central carbon atom of the xanthate. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis was performed to complete the investigation on the new MADIX/RAFT agents.