RAFT Agent Kit for controlling polymerizations at the molecular level

This kit contains the following products:

	Name	Cas No.	Cat No.
	4-Cyano-4-(dodecylsulfanylthiocarbonyl)sulfanylpentanoic acid, min. 97%	870196-80-8	16-0415
	4-Cyano-4-(thiobenzoylthio)pentanoic acid, min. 97%	201611-92-9	16-0422
	2-Cyanomethyl-N-methyl-N-phenyldithiocarbamate, min. 97%	76926-16-4	16-0423
	2-Cyanomethyl-S-dodecyltrithiocarbonate, min. 97%	796045-97-1	16-0425
	2-Cyanoprop-2-yl-dithiobenzoate, min. 97%	201611-85-0	16-0430
	2-Methyl-2-[(dodecylsulfanylthiocarbonyl)sulfanyl]propanoic acid, min. 97%, DDMAT	461642-78-4	16-0460
	2-(2-Cyanoprop-2-yl)-S-dodecyltrithiocarbonate, min. 97%	870196-83-1	16-0610
	S,S-Dibenzyltrithiocarbonate, min. 97%, DBTTC	26504-29-0	16-0617

RAFT Technology

CSIRO and DuPont have developed an innovative technology known as RAFT (for Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer), which
allows for the synthesis of specially designed polymeric materials with enhanced properties. CSIRO has licensed this technology to Strem to make
available to you for research purposes.
RAFT technology is a sophisticated form of controlled free radical polymerization. Often known as ‘living polymerization’ (it can be stopped and
restarted at anytime) this technology enables the synthesis of tailored polymers with unprecedented control over composition and architecture.
Polymers may be synthesized more readily, using RAFT technology,
• With predetermined molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distributions over a wide range of monomers and reaction conditions,
• With reactive terminal groups that can be purposely manipulated, including further polymerization,
• With complex architecture, including A B diblock, A B A triblock, graft, star; gradient and branched polymers (see Figure 1),
• That are based on scaleable manufacturing processes utilizing conventional processing equipment.
RAFT technology can be used with a wide range of monomers and monomer mixtures, and can be used in all modes of free radical polymerization,
including solution, emulsion and suspension polymerizations. This allows for an unlimited array of tailored compositions and complex architectures
under standard conditions.

The RAFT process

Implementing the RAFT process can be as simple as introducing a suitable chain transfer agent, known as a RAFT Agent (see Figure 2), into
conventional free radical polymerization, while employing conventional plant and equipment. The RAFT Agents allow for the preparation of polymers
with low polydispersity, well-defined microstructure and predetermined molecular weight.

As the newly formed polymer is terminated by an active RAFT group, thereby rendering it a RAFT Agent in its own right, it is capable of undergoing
further polymerization reactions or can be subjected to other chemical manipulations (see Figure 3). Incorporation of the RAFT Agent in the final
polymer obviates the need for its removal, thereby simplifying the isolation and purification of the final polymer product. The RAFT process is a user
and, environmentally friendly process that does not require expensive and contaminating additives unlike other controlled free radical polymerization
processes (eg. ATRP).

•  
• The RAFT process is typically started by a separate, commercially available, free radical initiator. The RAFT Agent is rapidly
  incorporated into the growing polymer and facilitates further growth of the polymer by incorporating monomer, one unit at a time.
  Incorporation of the RAFT Agent into the final polymer results in a cleaner and more versatile product.
  Overall, RAFT polymerization results in:
  polymers with controlled molecular weight
• narrow distribution of molecular weight, i.e. low polydispersity
• ability to incorporate, in a defined sequence, one or more type of monomers in the polymer chain
• RAFT group retained in the final polymer
• opportunity for further chemical manipulation of the RAFT group, including further polymerization or removal

Further detailed information on RAFT technology may be found in the following references:
◦ Living Free-Radical Polymerization by Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer:The RAFT Process, J. Chiefari, et al,
Macromolecules, 1998,31,5559-5562.
◦ Living Radical Polymerization by the RAFT Process. G. Moad, E. Rizzardo, S. H.Thang, Aust. J. Chem. 2005,58, 379-410.
◦ Living Radical Polymerization by the RAFT Process -A First Update, G. Moad, E. Rizzardo, S. H.Thang, Aust. J. Chem. 2006,59, 669-692.
◦ Radical addition-fragmentation chemistry in polymer synthesis, G. Moad, E. Rizzardo, S H. Thang, Polymer 49 (2008), 1079-1131.