NOVEL LIVING RADICAL POLYMERIZATION METHOD USING PHOSPHORUS COMPOUND OR NITROGEN COMPOUND AS CATALYST

摘要

A catalyst for living radical polymerization which is inexpensive, highly active, and friendly to the environment. The catalyst, which is for use in a living radical polymerization method, comprises a central element selected between nitrogen and phosphorus and at least one halogen atom bonded to the central element. A monomer having a radical-reactive unsaturated bond is subjected to free-radical polymerization in the presence of this catalyst, whereby a polymer having a narrow molecular-weight distribution can be obtained. The cost of living radical polymerization can be dramatically reduced. This method has advantages such as the low toxicity, small use amount, and high solubility of the catalyst, mild reaction conditions, colorlessness/non-odor (no need of conducting post-treatment of molded article), etc. This method is far more friendly to the environment and far more profitable than conventional living radical polymerization methods.