Reversible Complexation Mediated Polymerization (RCMP) of Methyl Methacrylate

A new family of living radical polymerization using amines as organic catalysts was introduced. It was based on a new reversible activation mechanism, reversible complexation. The polymer molecular weight (M n being up to 30,000) and its distribution (M w/M n = 1.2–1.4) were well controlled in the polymerizations of methyl methacrylate. The catalysts included such common amines as triethylamine. Their low cost, good environmental safety, and ease of handling may be attractive for possible applications. The method using the alkyl iodide (low-mass dormant species) in situ generated in the polymerization was also successfully adopted to this polymerization.