Blue light driven free-radical polymerization using arylazo sulfones as initiators

The polymerization of a broad range of electron-poor olefins has been achieved under free-radical conditions by using arylazo sulfones as visible light photoinitiators. The process proceeds smoothly at room temperature both in bulk and in the presence of solvents upon irradiation with a 40 W Kessil lamp (456 nm, blue light) in the absence of any co-initiators or additives. High molecular weight polymers are obtained in excellent yields.

Automated summary

In this study, the polymerization of electron-poor olefins was successfully achieved under free-radical conditions using arylazo sulfones as visible light photoinitiators. The process proceeded smoothly at room temperature without the need for any co-initiators or additives, resulting in high molecular weight polymers obtained in excellent yields.