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The 10 Chemical Innovations with the Highest Sustainability Potential

Radical Polymerization with Reversible Deactivation – Precise Tool for Polymer Synthesis Problem: In polymer synthesis, radical polymerization is a standard technique. Monomers and oligomers react in a radical chain reaction to form polymers until a termination reagent terminates the process. This results in a relatively broad distribution of chain lengths and, if necessary, branching lines of the polymers. Goal: To produce polymers with specifically adjusted properties, a high degree of control is required during the reaction (chain length, branching, termination of the reaction). Only in this way can highly functional new substances be developed and synthesized. Solution: More than 20 years ago it was discovered that the uncontrolled radical chain reactions in the synthesis of polymers can be controlled by adding certain components (so-called radical chain carriers). This ensured more uniform and controlled growth of the polymer chains during the reaction. Since then, polymers can be produced very precisely. However, although the technology is already widely used, it still offers great potential: more environmentally friendly reaction conditions are a major issue. For example, there are attempts to run the reaction in aqueous systems or to use only sunlight as an energy source for the reaction*. * Carmean, R. N. et al.: Ultra-High Molecular Weights via Aqueous Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerization, Chem 2017, 2, 93-101. DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2016.12.007 (Picture: Pixabay/Skitterphoto) arrow back arrow forward Image Zoom
Radical Polymerization with Reversible Deactivation – Precise Tool for Polymer Synthesis

Problem: In polymer synthesis, radical polymerization is a standard technique. Monomers and oligomers react in a radical chain reaction to form polymers until a termination reagent terminates the process. This results in a relatively broad distribution of chain lengths and, if necessary, branching lines of the polymers.

Goal: To produce polymers with specifically adjusted properties, a high degree of control is required during the reaction (chain length, branching, termination of the reaction). Only in this way can highly functional new substances be developed and synthesized.

Solution: More than 20 years ago it was discovered that the uncontrolled radical chain reactions in the synthesis of polymers can be controlled by adding certain components (so-called radical chain carriers). This ensured more uniform and controlled growth of the polymer chains during the reaction. Since then, polymers can be produced very precisely.
However, although the technology is already widely used, it still offers great potential: more environmentally friendly reaction conditions are a major issue. For example, there are attempts to run the reaction in aqueous systems or to use only sunlight as an energy source for the reaction*.

* Carmean, R. N. et al.: Ultra-High Molecular Weights via Aqueous Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerization, Chem 2017, 2, 93-101. DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2016.12.007 (Picture: Pixabay/Skitterphoto)
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