Reversible-deactivation radical polymerization in which the
dormant species is a stable (persistent) radical and the deactivation step involves reversible fragmentation.
Notes:
- In some cases, the dormant polymer may undergo reversible coupling.
- Initialization usually involves decomposition of an initiator in the presence of monomer and the reagent. Polymerization commences when there is complete consumption of the mediator by initiator-derived radicals.
Examples: Mediators that are proposed to provide control by this mechanism are certain 1,1-diarylethylenes, so-called captodative monomers, and carbonothioyl compounds. This mechanism could also contribute to the degree of control observed in RAFT polymerization.
Source:
PAC, 2022, 94, 1093. 'Terminology for chain polymerization (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 1107 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2020-1211)