Research progress in the living/controlled polymerization of (meth)acrylate monomers by Lewis pair

Lewis pair polymerization (LPP) has demonstrated its unique advantages, such as high activity, high stability, and adjustable variability, towards the polymerization of (meth)acrylate monomers in comparison with the other polymerization techniques. The combination of Lewis acid (LA) and Lewis base (LB) to construct Lewis pairs (LPs) with appropriate Lewis basicity, Lewis acidity, and steric effects would significantly impact the polymerization process, including chain initiation, propagation, termination and chain transfer reaction, as well as polymerization manner of monomers. In this feature article, we briefly review recent progress made by our research group towards the living/controlled polymerization of (meth)acrylate monomers, which were accomplished by a series of newly designed LPs, including monofunctional LPs, dual-initiating LPs and intramolecular tethered trifunctional LP. This article is divided into three parts: (1) the development of monofunctional living/controlled LP polymerization system; (2) the design and preparation of dual-initiating LPs in synthesizing thermoplastic elastomers; (3) the application of intramolecular trifunctional LP to the synthesis of cyclic polymers. These developed LPPs have demonstrated their powerful capability in precise control over the molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and monomer sequence as well as the topology of polymers. This review will serve as a good resource or guideline for researchers currently working in the area of LPP and for those who are interested in synthesizing new materials by LPP.

Automated summary

Lewis pair polymerization (LPP) has shown great advantages in the polymerization of (meth)acrylate monomers, including high activity, stability, and adjustable variability. This feature article reviews the recent progress made by a research group in living/controlled polymerization using various types of Lewis pairs (LPs). The developed LPPs have precise control over the molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, monomer sequence, and topology of polymers. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers in the field of LPP and those interested in synthesizing new materials through LPP.