Electrochemically Controlled Cationic Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers

Control of polymer initiation, propagation and termination is important the development of complex polymer structures and advanced materials. Typically, this has been achieved chemically, electrochemically, photochemically or mechanochemically. Electrochemical control has been demonstrated in radical polymerizations; however, regulation of a cationic polyMerization has yet to be achieved. Through the reversible oxidation of a polymer chain end with an electrochemical mediator, tempoial control over polymer chain, growth in cationic polymerizations was realized: By subjecting a stable organic nitroxyl radical mediator and chain transfer agent to an oxidizing current; control over polymer molecular weight and dispersity demonstrated,and excellent chain end fidelity allows for the synthesis of block copolymers.