Controlled radical polymerization in dispersed media

Free radical degenerative transfer promoted by dithiocarbonate groups is th e basis of a new method for controlled free radical polymerization (MADIX). Thus, certain alkyl xanthates are used to impart livingness to radical pol ymerization of styrene, acrylates and vinyl acetate. Among other analytical methods, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry showed unambiguously the living chara cter of the process. The MADM. technique was implemented in emulsion polyme rization straightforwardly with no retardation effects and an excellent fit between experimental and theoretical molecular weights.