Yb(NTf2)3/HFIP induced high isotacticity in atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate†
Abstract
High triad isotacticity (mm = 69%) in copper/BOX mediated ATRP of MMA is achieved. The use of strong Lewis acid Yb(NTf2)3 (1.0–8.0 mol%) and HFIP as the solvent is the key for this isotactic stereocontrol. A dilute concentration and a relatively low temperature are beneficial for further improving the isotacticity.