Telechelic polymers by visible-light-induced radical coupling

A simple and efficient method to prepare telechelics by visible-light-induced radical coupling is presented. Irradiation of the toluene solutions of bromo-terminated polystyrenes prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in the presence of an ester functional ATRP initiator and dimanganese decacarbonyl (Mn₂(CO)₁₀) at λ = 400-500 nm leads to the formation telechelic polymers through radical-radical coupling. Adaptability of the process for the preparation of mono- and bifunctional telechelics is demonstrated under variety of conditions of ATRP and coupling steps. Visible light irradiation of a toluene solution of bromo functional polystyrene prepared by ATRP with bromo functional ester compound in the presence of dimanganese decacarbonyl leads to the formation telechelic through radical-radical coupling. Adaptability of the process for the preparation of mono- and bifunctional telechelic is also demonstrated under variety of conditions of ATRP and coupling steps.