Fundamentals of reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)

Abstract Radical polymerization is transformed into what is known as reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization by the addition of a RAFT agent. RAFT polymerization enables the preparation of polymers with predictable molar mass, narrow chain length distribution, high end-group integrity and provides the ability to construct macromolecules with the intricate architectures and composition demanded by modern applications in medicine, electronics and nanotechnology. This paper provides a background to understanding the mechanism of RAFT polymerization and how this technique has evolved.