Living radical polymerization with reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT polymerization) using dithiocarbamates as chain transfer agents

Living radical polymerization with reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT polymerization) can be achieved with the use of dithiocarbamate derivatives that have the nonbonded electron pair of the nitrogen included as part of an aromatic system. These compounds have been shown to be highly effective in RAFT polymerization of styrene and (meth)acrylate esters to produce polymers of predetermined molecular weight and narrow polydispersity (usually <1.2). By contrast, simple N,N-dialkyl dithiocarbamates (those compounds previously described as "photoiniferters") are ineffective as RAFT agents. The reasons for the different behavior are discussed.