RAFT polymerization and thiol chemistry: a complementary pairing for implementing modern macromolecular design

Macromol Rapid Commun. 2011 Aug 3;32(15):1123-43. doi: 10.1002/marc.201100127. Epub 2011 May 12.

Abstract

Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is one of the most extensively studied reversible deactivation radical polymerization methods for the production of well-defined polymers. After polymerization, the RAFT agent end-group can easily be converted into a thiol, opening manifold opportunities for thiol modification reactions. This review is focused both on the introduction of functional end-groups using well-established methods, such as thiol-ene chemistry, as well as on creating bio-cleavable disulfide linkages via disulfide exchange reactions. We demonstrate that thiol modification is a highly attractive and efficient chemistry for modifying RAFT polymers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Organic / methods*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemical synthesis
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polymerization
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Polymers
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds