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1. RAFT step-growth polymerization via the Z-group approach and deconstruction by RAFT interchange

   https://doi.org/10.1039/d3sc06736j  

   Li, Jiajia; Tanaka, Joji; Li, Qing; Jing_Wang, Claire Jing; Sheiko, Sergei; Clouthier, Samantha Marie; Zhu, Jian; You, Wei (March 2024, Chemical Science)

   RAFT step-growth polymerizationviathe Z-group approach was developed, offering a facile method to prepare deconstructable (multiblock) polymers by combining RAFT chain-growth polymerization and RAFT interchange. 

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2. Mechanism and modelling of photo-mediated RAFT step-growth polymerization

   https://doi.org/10.1039/d5py00185d  

   Clouthier, Samantha Marie; Li, Jiajia; Tanaka, Joji; You, Wei (January 2025, Polymer Chemistry)

   Here, we report the modelling of photo-mediated RAFT step-growth polymerization kinetics of maleimide and acrylate monomers with bifunctional RAFT agents bearing tertiary carboxyalkyl stabilized fragementable R groups. 

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3. Step-growth polymerization by the RAFT process

   https://doi.org/10.1039/d3cc01087b  

   Tanaka, Joji; Li, Jiajia; Clouthier, Samantha Marie; You, Wei (June 2023, Chemical Communications)

   RAFT step-growth polymerization is an emerging method that synergistically combines the benefits of RAFT polymerization (functional group and user-friendly nature) and step-growth polymerization (versatility of the polymer backbone). 

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4. Photo‐Mediated RAFT Step‐Growth Polymerization With Diacrylate Monomers: Investigating Versatility and Oxygen Tolerance

   https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202400602  

   Clouthier, Samantha Marie; Li, Jiajia; Tanaka, Joji; You, Wei (January 2025, Macromolecular Rapid Communications)

   Abstract Photomediated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) step‐growth polymerization is performed using a trithiocarbonate‐based chain transfer agent (CTA) and acrylate‐based monomers both with and without a photocatalyst. The versatility of photo‐mediated RAFT step‐growth is demonstrated by one‐pot synthesis of a graft copolymer via sequential monomer addition. Furthermore, oxygen‐tolerant photo‐mediated RAFT step‐growth is demonstrated, facilitated by the appropriate selection of photocatalyst and solvent pair (zinc tetraphenyl porphyrin [ZnTPP] and dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]), enabling ultralow volume polymerization under open‐air conditions. 

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5. PET-RAFT Increases Uniformity in Polymer Networks

   https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmacrolett.2c00448  

   Wanasinghe, Shiwanka V.; Sun, Mingkang; Yehl, Kevin; Cuthbert, Julia; Matyjaszewski, Krzysztof; Konkolewicz, Dominik (September 2022, ACS Macro Letters)

   Photoinduced electron/energy transfer (PET)-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) and conventional photoinitiated RAFT were used to synthesize polymer networks. In this study, two different metal catalysts, namely, tris[2-phenylpyridinato-C2,N]iridium(III) (Ir(ppy)3) and zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP), were selected to generate two different catalytic pathways, one with Ir(ppy)3 proceeding through an energy-transfer pathway and one with ZnTPP proceeding through an electron-transfer pathway. These PET-RAFT systems were contrasted against a conventional photoinitated RAFT process. Mechanically robust materials were generated. Using bulk swelling ratios and degradable cross-linkers, the homogeneity of the networks was evaluated. Especially at high primary chain length and cross-link density, the PET-RAFT systems generated more uniform networks than those made by conventional RAFT, with the electron transfer-based ZnTPP giving superior results to those of Ir(ppy)3. The ability to deactivate radicals either by RAFT exchange or reversible coupling in PET RAFT was proposed as the mechanism that gave better control in PET-RAFT systems. 

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