Electron-transfer-induced iron-based atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene derivatives and copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate

The first oxidatively stable and environmentally friendly iron-based AGET-ATRP system for styrene derivatives has been reported. Similar to previously reported copper-based system, the reducing agents Sn(EH)₂ and D-glucose were employed to generate the active Fe(II) species in situ. Monomers with electron-withdrawing substituents polymerize faster than those having electron-donating substituents. The amount of iron catalyst could be reduced to as a low as 0.01 mmol while retaining sufficient activity to impart control. Well-defined copolymers of styrene and MMA were also synthesized through this method.