Novel polymers from atom transfer polymerisation mediated by copper(I) Schiff base complexes

The use of copper(I) Schiff base complex catalysed atom transfer polymerisa tion of methacrylates is described. The use of a range of functional and mu lti-functional initiators enables the synthesis of a range of functional an d star polymers to be prepared under undemanding synthetic conditions. End capping with silyl enol ethers allows for omega-functional polymers. The co mbination of novel initiators, functional monomers and end capping allows a n unprecedented array of macromolecular structures to be produced with limi ted need for protecting group chemistry.