Photo‐induced controlled/living polymerizations

Application of photochemical protocols to polymer synthesis are of interest due to the unique possibilities such as topological and temporal control, rapid polymerization processes and environmentally benign features provided finding application in adhesives, coatings, adaptive manufacturing, etc. In particular, utilization of photochemistry in controlled/living polymerizations offers the precise control over the macromolecular structure and chain lengths in addition to advantages associated with photochemistry. Herein, the latest developments on photocontrolled living radical and cationic polymerizations and their combinations for macromolecular syntheses are discussed. The review summarizes and spotlights the recent studies in the emerging area of photoinduced controlled/living polymerizations. A discussion of mechanistic details highlights differences as well as parallels between different systems for different polymerization methods and monomer applicability