Living Radical Polymerization 4.  Stereospecific Living Radical Polymerization

Abstract

Living radical polymerization (LRP) enables the control of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of polymers synthesized, but it is no effect on stereoregulation (tacticity) of the polymer. With the progress of stereospecific radical polymerizations, several attempts have been made to combine it with LRP to achieve simultaneous control of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and tacticity. This forth article describes these stereospecific LRPs. Synthetic routes to stereoblock polymers and stereogradient polymers are also described.