Synthesis of block copolymers by the combination of chain transfer polymerization and initer process

Radical polymerizations of styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were carried out in the presence of tri phenylmethyl mercaptan (TPMM) as a chain transfer agent to give trityl (triphenylmethyl) terminated polymers. Transfer constants were found to be 17.8 and 0.71 for St and MMA, respectively. Trityl terminated polymers served as thermal “INITERS” for polymerization of vinyl monomers which proceeded via a quasi‐living radical mechanism. This procedure makes it possible to prepare block copolymers. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.