The pentafluorostyrene endeavours with atom transfer radical polymerization-quo vadis?

The versatility of the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of pentafluorostyrene (FS) is comprehensively evaluated. The ATRP of a wide range of monomers derived from FS is likewise discussed with emphasis on the potential polymer applications. A large number of block and star copolymers centred around polypentafluorostyrene (PFS) and prepared primarily using the bromomacroinitiator concept is surveyed. Here the main emphasis is on the feasibility of the polymer design, but also the very many different applications are highlighted. The potential grafting onto PFS and PFS block copolymers by exploitation of the very labile para-fluorine demonstrates new material architecture possibilities through very mild reaction conditions. Finally the utility of PFS in various conducting materials is elaborated. The amphiphilic nature of PFS in triblock copolymers with polyethers has been exploited for Li+ ion electrolytes. The convenient grafting of PFS through 'click' chemistry to a polysulfone and subsequent phosphonation of the PFS grafts seem very beneficial for the fabrication of proton conducting materials with high conductivity. (c) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry