Abstract:

This experiment introduced newly developed photo-induced living/controlled radical polymerization technique, particularly reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT), which was known as the frontier knowledge in polymer chemistry. Students will find the advantages of photo-induced RAFT polymerization in preparing high-end functionalized polymer through the comparison of photo-induced RAFT polymerization with AIBN initiated RAFT polymerization. The experimental work includes synthesis of regulator, polymerization, separation of polymer, and structure characterization. Students could learn and master skills of design and synthesis of regulator for photo-induced living radical polymerization. They can practice basic laboratory skills, such as organic synthesis and polymerization. Also, they can learn typical characterization techniques of the polymer, which includes gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The aim of this experiment was to enhance the students with creative thinking and to train their fundamental ability for research.

Key words: Living/controlled radical polymerization, Vinyl acetate, Visible light induced, Controlled polymerization