CuBr2/N,N,N′,N′-tetra[(2-pyridal)methyl] ethylenediamine/tertiary amine as a highly active and versatile catalyst for atom-transfer radical polymerization via activator generated by electron transfer

A highly active and versatile CuBr2/N,N,N',N-tetra[(2-pyridal)methyl]ethylenediamine (CuBr2/TPEN)-tertiary amine catalyst system has been developed for atom transfer radical polymerization via activator generated by electron-transfer (AGET ATRP). The catalyst mediates good control of the AGET ATRPs of methyl acrylate, methylmethacrylate, and styrene at 1 mol-% catalyst relative to initiator. A mechanism study shows that tertiary amines such as triethylamine reduces the CuBr2/TPEN complex to CuBr/TPEN.