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Group transfer and anionic polymerization: A critical comparison
Author(s) -
Müller Axel H. E.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
makromolekulare chemie. macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 0258-0322
DOI - 10.1002/masy.19900320109
Subject(s) - polymerization , anionic addition polymerization , polymer chemistry , monomer , chain transfer , chemistry , gtp' , ionic polymerization , kinetic chain length , living polymerization , copolymer , molar mass distribution , chain growth polymerization , ionic bonding , polymer , cationic polymerization , radical polymerization , organic chemistry , ion , enzyme
The mechanism of group transfer polymerization (GTP) of methacrylates in THF is investigated by using data on kinetics of homo‐ and copolymerization, polymer microstructure and molecular weight distribution. By comparison with corresponding data on anionic polymerization it is concluded that the mechanisms of monomer addition to the active chain end is very similar for both anionic and group transfer polymerization and that GTP is ionic in character. On the other hand, GTP uniquely is characterized by the existence of a catalyst exchange equilibrium. The position of this equilibrium determines the rates of polymerization, and the dynamics determine the molecular weight distribution.