From regulation of elementary stages of radical processes to controlled synthesis of macromolecules

Abstract

Recent published data on the regulation of the elementary stages of homolytic reactions involving radical species are analyzed in the review. The special focus is made on the application of metal complex compounds to mediating radical reactions and their use in the processes of the controlled synthesis of macromolecules, including functional homo- and copolymers, and also nano-sized polymer structures. Examples are considered and prospects are estimated of the practical application of the reversible inhibition of radical processes, reversible chain transfer, atom transfer reactions involving radicals and metal complexes under industrial conditions, in particular, for the production of polymer high tech materials.