Non‐transition metal‐catalyzed living radical polymerization of vinyl chloride initiated with iodoform in water at 25 °C

Non‐transition metal‐catalyzed living radical polymerization (LRP) of vinyl chloride (VC) in water at 25–35 °C is reported. This polymerization is initiated with iodoform and catalyzed by Na₂S₂O₄. In water, S₂O dissociates into SO that mediates the initiation and reactivation steps via a single electron transfer (SET) mechanism. The exchange between dormant and active propagating species also includes the degenerative chain transfer to dormant species (DT). In addition, the SO₂ released from SO during the SET process can add reversibly to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) radicals and provide additional transient dormant ～SO radicals. This novel LRP proceeds mostly by a combination of competitive SET and DT mechanisms and, therefore, it is called SET‐DTLRP. Telechelic PVC with a number‐average molecular weight (M_n) = 2,000–55,000, containing two active ～CH₂? CHClI chain ends and a higher syndiotacticity than the commercial PVC were obtained by SET‐DTLRP. This PVC is free of structural defects and exhibits a higher thermal stability than commercial PVC. SET‐DTLRP of VC is carried out under reaction conditions related to those used for its commercial free‐radical polymerization. Consequently, SET‐DTLRP is of technological interest both as an alternative commercial method for the production of PVC with superior properties as well as for the synthesis of new PVC‐based architectures. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 6267–6282, 2004     

Phase transfer catalyzed single electron transfer–degenerative chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization (PTC‐SET–DTLRP) of vinyl chloride catalyzed by sodium dithionite and initiated with iodoform in water at 43 °C

To accelerate the living radical polymerization (LRP) of vinyl chloride (VC) in water the phase transfer catalyzed single electron transfer–degenerative chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET–DTLRP) of VC mediated by sodium dithionite (Na₂S₂O₄) was investigated. The fastest polymerization reaction that still produces thermally stable poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) takes place at 43 °C with the ratio [PTC]₀/[Na₂S₂O₄]₀ = 0.0075/1. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (nC₁₆H₃₃(CH₃)₃N⁺Br^?, CetMe₃NBr) was the phase‐transfer catalyst (PTC) of choice. Under these conditions the first, fast stage of SET–DTLRP of VC was accomplished within 7–8 h when the initial ratio monomer/initiator [VC]₀/[CHI₃]₀ was 800. The number‐average molecular weight (M_n) of the resulting PVC was in good agreement with the theoretical molecular weight (M_th). When the [VC]₀/[CHI₃]₀ ratio was 4800, the fast step of the reaction was accomplished within 17 h, to produce 72% monomer conversion. A deviation of the M_n from the M_th was observed in this case. Possible mechanistic explanations for this deviation as well as for the phase transfer catalyzed SET–DTLRP of VC were suggested. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 779–788, 2005     

SET‐LRP of vinyl chloride initiated with CHBr3 in DMSO at 25 °C

The development of Cu(0)/TREN/CuBr₂‐catalyzed SET‐LRP of VC initiated with CHBr₃ in DMSO at 25 °C is reported. The use of CuBr₂ additive allows for the first LRP of low molecular weight VC (target DP = 100), as well as lower Cu powder loading levels, improved I_eff and control in the synthesis of higher molecular VC, targeted degree of polymerization = 350, 700, 1,000, 1,400. ¹H NMR and HSQC confirm the bifunctionality of CHBr₃ as an initiator and suggest that deleterious side‐reactions such as the formation of allylic chlorides occur primarily at the onset of the reaction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4130–4140, 2009     

Single‐electron‐transfer/degenerative‐chain‐transfer mediated living radical polymerization of vinyl chloride catalyzed by thiourea dioxide/octyl viologen in water/tetrahydrofuran at 25 °C

The single‐electron‐transfer/degenerative‐chain‐transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET–DTLRP) of vinyl chloride (VC) in H₂O/tetrahydrofuran at 25 °C catalyzed by thiourea dioxide [(NH₂)₂C?SO₂] is reported. This polymerization occurs only in the presence of a basic sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) buffer and the electron‐transfer cocatalyst octyl viologen. The resulting poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) has a number‐average molecular weight of 1500–7000 and a weight‐average molecular weight/number‐average molecular weight ratio of 1.5. This PVC does not contain detectable amounts of structural defects and has both active chloroiodomethyl and inactive chloromethyl chain ends. Because of possible side reactions caused by the primary sulfoxylate anion (SO), the catalytic activity of (NH₂)₂C?SO₂ in the SET–DTLRP of VC is lower than that of the single‐electron‐transfer agent sodium dithionite. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 287–295, 2005     

Acceleration of the single electron transfer–degenerative chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET–DTLRP) of vinyl chloride in water at 25 °C

The accelerated single electron transfer–degenerative chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET–DTLRP) of vinyl chloride (VC) in H₂O/tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 25 °C is reported. This process is catalyzed by sodium dithionite (Na₂S₂O₄)‐sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). Electron transfer cocatalysts (ETC) 1,1′‐dialkyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinum dihalides or alkyl viologens were also employed in this polymerization. The resulting poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) has a number‐average molecular weight (M_n) = 2,000–12,000, no detectable amounts of structural defects, and both active chloroiodomethyl and inactive chloromethyl chain ends. The molecular weight distribution of PVC obtained is M_w/M_n = 1.5. The surface active agents afford the final polymers as a powder and provide an acceleration of the rate of polymerization. The role of ETC is to accelerate the single electron transfer (SET) step, whereas THF enhances the degenerative chain transfer (DT) step. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 6364–6374, 2004     

SET‐LRP of vinyl chloride initiated with CHBr3 and catalyzed by Cu(0)‐wire/TREN in DMSO at 25 °C

The single‐electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) of vinyl chloride (VC) initiated with CHBr₃ in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at 25 °C was investigated using Cu(0) powder and Cu(0) wire as the catalyst. It was determined that living kinetics and high conversion are achieved only through the proper calibration of the ratio between Cu(0) and TREN and the concentration of VC in DMSO. For both Cu(0) powder and Cu(0) wire, optimum conversion was achieved with higher levels of TREN than reported in earlier preliminary reports and under more dilute conditions. Using these conditions, 85+% conversion of VC could be achieved with Cu(0) powder and wire to produce white poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with M_n = 20,000 and M_w/M_n = 1.4–1.6 in 360 min. The use of Cu(0) wire provides the most effective catalytic system for the LRP of PVC allowing for simple removal and recycling of the catalyst. In the Cu(0) wire‐catalyzed SET‐LRP of VC, the consumption of Cu(0) was monitored as a function of conversion. From these studies, it is evident that the catalyst can be recycled extensively before significant exchange of Cu(0) into Cu(II)X₂ and change in catalyst surface area is observed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 164–172, 2010     

From metal‐catalyzed radical telomerization to metal‐catalyzed radical polymerization of vinyl chloride: Toward living radical polymerization of vinyl chloride

The metal‐catalyzed radical polymerization of vinyl chloride (VC) in ortho‐dichlorobenzene initiated with various activated halides, such as α,α‐dihaloalkanes, α,α,α‐trihaloalkanes, perfloroalkyl halides, benzyl halides, pseudohalides, allyl halides, sulfonyl halides, α‐haloesters, α‐halonitriles, and imidyl halides, in the presence of Cu(0)/2,2′‐bipyridine, Fe(0)/o‐phenantroline, TiCp₂Cl₂, and other metal catalysts is reported. The formation of the monoadduct between the initiator and VC was achieved with all catalysts. However, propagation was observed only for metals in their zero oxidation state because they were able to reinitiate from geminal dihalo or allylic chloride structures. Poly(vinyl chloride) with molecular weights larger then the theoretical limit allowed by chain transfer to VC were obtained even at 130 °C. In addition, the most elemental features of a living radical polymerization, such as a linear dependence of the molecular weight and a decrease of polydispersity with conversion, were observed for the most promising systems based on iodine‐containing initiators and Cu(0), that is, I? CH₂? Ph? CH₂? I/Cu(0)/bpy (where bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridyl), at 130 °C. However, because of the formation of inactive species via chain transfer to VC and other side reactions, the observed conversions were in most cases lower than 40%. A mechanistic interpretation of the chain transfer to monomer in the presence of Cu species is proposed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 3392–3418, 2001     

Tetramethylguanidino‐tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine: A novel ligand for copper‐based atom transfer radical polymerization

With CuBr/tetramethylguanidino‐tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (TMG₃‐TREN) as the catalyst, the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate, n‐butyl acrylate, styrene, and acrylonitrile was conducted. The catalyst concentration of 0.5 equiv with respect to the initiator was enough to prepare well‐defined poly(methyl methacrylate) in bulk from methyl methacrylate monomer. For ATRP of n‐butyl acrylate, the catalyst behaved in a manner similar to that reported for CuBr/tris[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine. A minimum of 0.05 equiv of the catalyst with respect to the initiator was required to synthesize the homopolymer of the desired molecular weight and low polydispersity at the ambient temperature. In the case of styrene, ATRP with this catalyst occurred only when a 1:1 catalyst/initiator ratio was used in the presence of Cu(0) in ethylene carbonate. The polymerization of acrylonitrile with CuBr/TMG₃‐TREN was conducted successfully with a catalyst concentration of 50% with respect to the initiator in ethylene carbonate. End‐group analysis for the determination of the high degree of functionality of the homopolymers synthesized by the new catalyst was determined by NMR spectroscopy. The isotactic parameter calculated for each system indicated that the homopolymers were predominantly syndiotactic, signifying that the tacticity remained the same, as already reported for ATRP. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5906–5922, 2005     

Single electron transfer–degenerative chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET–DTLRP) of vinyl chloride initiated with methylene iodide and catalyzed by sodium dithionite

Single electron transfer–degenerative chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET–DTLRP) of vinyl chloride (VC) initiated with methylene iodide (CH₂I₂) and catalyzed by sodium dithionite (Na₂S₂O₄) in water at 35 °C produces a telechelic poly(vinyl chloride) (LRP–PVC) with two different active chain ends: ICH ₂ (CH₂CHCl)_n‐1CH₂ CHClI , and 2.0 functionality. The reactivity and initiator efficiency of CH₂I₂ in SET–DTLRP of VC was lower than those of iodoform. A possible mechanism for the CH₂I₂‐initiated SET–DTLRP of VC was suggested. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 773–778, 2005     

Synthesis of poly(vinyl chloride)‐b‐poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐b‐poly(vinyl chloride) by the competitive single‐electron‐transfer/degenerative‐chain‐transfer‐mediated living radical polymerization in water

The synthesis of a block copolymer poly(vinyl chloride)‐b‐poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐b‐poly(vinyl chloride) is reported. This new material was synthesized by single‐electron‐transfer/degenerative‐chain‐transfer‐mediated living radical polymerization (SET‐DTLRP) in two steps. First, a bifunctional macroinitiator of α,ω‐di(iodo)poly (butyl acrylate) [α,ω‐di(iodo)PBA] was synthesized by SET‐DTLRP in water at 25 °C. The macroinitiator was further reinitiated by SET‐DTLRP, leading to the formation of the desired product. This ABA block copolymer was synthesized with high initiator efficiency. The kinetics of the copolymerization reaction was studied for two PBA macroinitiators with number–average molecular weight of 10 k and 20 k. The relationship between the conversion and the number–average molecular weight was found to be linear. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis suggests just one phase, indicating that copolymer behaves as a single material with no phase separation. This methodology provides the access to several block copolymers and other complex architectures that result from combinations of thermoplastics (PVC) and elastomers (PBA). From industrial standpoint, this process is attractive, because of easy experimental setup and the environmental friendly reaction medium. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3001–3008, 2006     

Synthesis of high glass transition temperature copolymers based on poly(vinyl chloride) via single electron transfer—Degenerative chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET‐DTLRP) of vinyl chloride in water

α,ω‐di(iodo) poly(isobornyl acrylate) macroiniators (α,ω‐di(iodo)PIA) with number average molecular weight from M _n,TriSEC = 11,456 to M _n,TriSEC = 94,361 were synthesized by single electron transfer‐degenerative chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET‐DTLRP) of isobornyl acrylate (IA) initiated with iodoform (CHI₃) and catalyzed by sodium dithionite (Na₂S₂O₄) in water at 35 °C. The plots of number average molecular weight vs conversion and ln{[M]₀/[M]} vs time are linear, indicating a controlled polymerization. α,ω‐di(iodo) poly(isobornyl acrylate) have been used as a macroinitiator for the SET‐DTLRP of vinyl chloride (VCM) leading to high T_g block copolymers PVC‐b‐PIA‐b‐PVC. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of the block copolymers suggests just one phase indicating that copolymer behaves as a single material. This technology provides the possibility of synthesizing materials based on PVC with higher T_g in aqueous medium. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2009     

Iron‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene with tris(3,6‐dioxaheptyl) amine as a ligand

The atom transfer radical bulk polymerization of styrene with FeX₂ (X = Br or Cl)/tris(3,6‐dioxaheptyl) amine as the catalyst system was successfully implemented at 110 °C. The number‐average molecular weight of the polymers with a narrow molecular weight distribution (weight‐average molecular weight/number‐average molecular weight = 1.2–1.5) increased linearly with the monomer conversion and matched the predicted molecular weight. The polymerization rate, initiation efficiency, and molecular weight distribution were influenced by the selection of the initiator and iron halide. The high functionality of the halide end group in the obtained polymers was confirmed by both ¹H NMR and a chain‐extension reaction. Because of its water solubility, the iron complexes could be removed easily from the reaction mixture through the washing of the polymerization mixture with water. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 483–489, 2006     

Functionalization of the active chain ends of poly(vinyl chloride) obtained by single‐electron‐transfer/degenerative‐chain‐transfer mediated living radical polymerization: Synthesis of telechelic α,ω‐di(hydroxy)poly(vinyl chloride)

The chloroiodomethyl chain ends of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) obtained by the single‐electron‐transfer/degenerative‐chain‐transfer mediated living radical polymerization of vinyl chloride initiated with iodoform were quantitatively functionalized by the reaction with 2‐allyloxyethanol (CH₂?CHCH₂OCH₂CH₂OH). This reaction was performed in dimethyl sulfoxide at 70 °C and was catalyzed by sodium dithionite/sodium bicarbonate. The resulting product is the first example of telechelic PVC [α,ω‐di(hydroxy)PVC]. A possible mechanism for this reaction was suggested. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1255–1260, 2005     

Synthesis of poly(ethyl acrylate) by single electron transfer‐degenerative chain transfer living radical polymerization in water catalyzed by Na2S2O4

Living radical polymerization of ethyl acrylate was achieved by single‐electron‐transfer/degenerative‐chain transfer mediated living radical polymerization in water catalyzed by sodium dithionite. The plots of number‐average molecular weight versus conversion and ln[M]₀/[M] versus time are linear, indicating a controlled polymerization. This method leads to the preparation of α,ω‐di(iodo)poly(ethyl acrylate) (α,ω‐di(iodo)PEtA) macroinitiator that can be further functionalized. The molecular weight distributions were determined using a combination of three detectors (TriSEC): right‐angle light scattering, a differential viscometer and refractive index. The method studied in this work represents a possible route to prepare well‐tailored macromolecules made of ethyl acrylate in environmental friendly reaction medium. To the best of our knowledge there is no previous report dealing with the synthesis of PEtA by any LRP approach in aqueous medium. Furthermore, the method described in this article was successfully applied in pilot scale reactions under industrial production conditions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 421–432, 2008     

Synthesis of poly(2‐methoxyethyl acrylate) by single electron transfer—Degenerative transfer living radical polymerization catalyzed by Na2S2O4 in water

Living radical polymerization of 2‐methoxyethyl acrylate (MEA) was achieved by single‐electron‐transfer/degenerative transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET‐DTLRP) in water catalyzed by sodium dithionate. The poly(2‐methoxyethyl acrylate) is an amphiphilic polymer with a hydrophobic part (polyethylene chain) and a mildly hydrophilic tail. The plots of number‐average molecular weight versus conversion and ln{[M]₀/[M]} versus time are linear, indicating a controlled polymerization. This method leads to the preparation of α,ω‐di(iodo) poly(2‐methoxyethyl acrylate)s (α,ω‐di(iodo)PMEA) macroinitiators that can be further functionalized. The molecular weight distributions were determined using a combination of three detectors (TriSEC): right‐angle light scattering (RALLS), a differential viscometer (DV) and refractive index (RI). The method studied in this work represents a possible route to prepare well‐tailored macromolecules made of 2‐methoxyethyl acrylate (biocompatible material) in an environmentally friendly reaction medium. To the best of our knowledge there is no previous report dealing with the synthesis of PMEA by any LRP approach in aqueous medium. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4454–4463, 2009     

Metal‐catalyzed living radical graft copolymerization of olefins initiated from the structural defects of poly(vinyl chloride)

Commercial poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) contains allyl chloride and tertiary chloride groups as structural defects. This article reports the use of the active chloride groups from the structural defects of PVC as initiators for the metal‐catalyzed living radical graft copolymerization of PVC. The following monomers were investigated in graft copolymerization experiments: methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, tert‐butyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, methacrylonitrile, acrylonitrile, styrene, 4‐chloro‐styrene, 4‐methyl‐styrene, and isobornylmethacrylate. Cu(0)/bpy, CuCl/bpy, CuBr/bpy, Cu₂O/bpy, Cu₂S/bpy, and Cu₂Se/bpy (where bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) were used as catalysts. Living radical polymerizations initiated from 1‐chloro‐3‐methyl‐2‐butene, allyl bromide, and 1,4‐dichloro‐2‐butene as models for the allyl chloride structural defects and from 3‐chloro‐3‐methyl‐pentane and 1,3‐dichloro‐3‐methylbutane as models for the tertiary chloride defects were studied. Graft copolymerization experiments were accessible in solution, in a swollen state, and in bulk. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1120–1135, 2001     

Graft copolymerization of butyl acrylate and 2‐ethyl hexyl acrylate from labile chlorines of poly(vinyl chloride) by atom transfer radical polymerization

Trace amounts of labile chlorines present in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were found to act as initiation sites for the preparation of graft copolymers of PVC by copper‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). High grafting yields were attained during the graft copolymerizations of n‐butyl acrylate (161.8%) and 2‐ethyl hexyl acrylate (51.2%) in 7.5 h. In both cases, the grafting proceeded with first‐order kinetics with respect to the monomer concentrations, this being typical for ATRP. Gel permeation chromatography traces of the resulting products did not exhibit additional peaks attributable to the formation of free homopolymers. The presented procedure offers an efficient means of preparing self‐plasticized PVC structures. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3457–3462, 2003     

Cuso4‐amine redox‐initiated radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate mediated by a CuCl2 complex: Homogeneous reverse ATRP

Kinetic results of CuSO₄/2,2'‐bipyridine(bPy)‐amine redox initiated radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) at 70 to 90 °C in dimethylsulfoxide suggest that such initiation is characteristic of a slow rate and a low initiator efficiency, but tertiary amines exhibit a relatively higher rate. UV‐Vis spectroscopy confirms the alpha‐amino functionality of PMMA chains. CuCl₂/bPy successfully mediates the redox‐initiated radical polymerization of MMA with aliphatic tertiary amines in a fashion of slow‐initiated reverse atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), i.e. both the initiator efficiency of aliphatic tertiary amines and the average molecular weight of PMMA increase gradually, while the molecular weight distribution remains narrow but become broader with the conversions. As the PMMA chains contain alpha amino and omega C‐Cl moieties, UV‐induced benzophenone‐initiated radical polymerization and Cu^ICl/bPy‐catalyzed ATRP initiated from PMMA lead to block copolymers from terminal functionalities. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 2562‐2578     

Catalytic effect of dimethyl sulfoxide in the Cu(0)/tris(2‐dimethylaminoethyl)amine‐catalyzed living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate at 0–90 °C initiated with CH3CHClI as a model compound for α,ω‐di(iodo)poly(vinyl chloride) chain ends

A variety of conditions, including catalysts [CuCl, CuI, Cu₂O, and Cu(0)], ligands [2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy), tris(2‐dimethylaminoethyl)amine (Me₆‐TREN), polyethyleneimine, and hexamethyl triethylenetetramine], initiators [CH₃CHClI, CH₂I₂, CHI₃, and F(CF₂)₈I], solvents [diphenyl ether, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide, ethylene carbonate, dimethylacetamide, and cyclohexanone], and temperatures [90, 25, and 0 °C] were studied to assess previous methods for poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(vinyl chloride)‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA‐b‐PVC‐b‐PMMA) synthesis by the living radical block copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated with α,ω‐di(iodo)poly(vinyl chloride). CH₃CHClI was used as a model for α,ω‐di(iodo)poly(vinyl chloride) employed as a macroinitiator in the living radical block copolymerization of MMA. Two groups of methods evolved. The first involved CuCl/bpy or Me₆‐TREN at 90 °C, whereas the second involved Cu(0)/Me₆‐TREN in DMSO at 25 or 0 °C. Related ligands were used in both methods. The highest initiator efficiency and rate of polymerization were obtained with Cu(0)/Me₆‐TREN in DMSO at 25 °C. This demonstrated that the ultrafast block copolymerization reported previously is the most efficient with respect to the rate of polymerization and precision of the PMMA‐b‐PVC‐b‐PMMA architecture. Moreover, Cu(0)/Me₆‐TREN‐catalyzed polymerization exhibits an external first order of reaction in DMSO, and so this solvent has a catalytic effect in this living radical polymerization (LRP). This polymerization can be performed between 90 and 0 °C and provides access to controlled poly(methyl methacrylate) tacticity by LRP and block copolymerization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1935–1947, 2005