Polymerization process and polymers produced thereby

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to improved processes for free radical polymerization, particularly to improved processes in which it is possible to control the growth steps of the polymerization to produce relatively short chain length homopolymers and copolymers, including block and graft copolymers, and further relates to new initiators which find particular application in the improved processes. Such initiators have the general structure of Formula I ##STR1## wherein X represents a group having at least one carbon atom and is such that the free radical X.sup.. is capable of polymerizing the unsaturated monomer by free radical polymerization, and the radical functionality resides on the or one of the carbon atoms, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 represent the same or different straight chain or branched substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups of a chain length sufficient to provide steric hindrance and weakening of the O--X bond, and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 represent the same or different straight chain or branched substituted alkyl groups or R.sup.3 CNCR.sup.4 may be part of a cyclic structure which may have fused with it another saturated or aromatic ring, the cyclic structure or aromatic ring being optionally substituted.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.