Complex molecular architecture polymers via RAFT

The synthesis of star and hydrogel polymers mediated by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization was reported. The RAFT technique generates polymers with RAFT end groups, opening the possibility to restart the polymerization process. RAFT polymerization was therefore a very versatile route for the synthesis of star, comb, or block copolymers with good control over molecular weight.