Removal of catalyst in atom transfer radical polymerization using crosslinked polystyrene ion-exchange resins

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) provides a very efficient way for the synthesis of various polymers with well defined architectures. However, current drawback is the efficient removal and recycling of the catalysts. ATRP catalyst can be potentially recycled when immobilized on a solid support. Another efficient way for the removal of ATRP catalyst can be achieved through ion-exchange equilibrium. Exchange can be cationic or anionic. The removal of the ATRP catalyst, CuBr/[N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine] (CuBr/PMDETA)12, CuBr2/PMDETA, CuBr/[2,2′-bipyridine]2 and CuBr/[Tris(2-dimethylaminoethyl)amine]12 using ion-exchange resins with acidic groups were reported.