controlled polymerization

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.08908
Term indicating control of a certain kinetic feature of a polymerization or structural aspect of the polymer molecules formed, or both.
Notes:
  1. The expression 'controlled polymerization' is sometimes used to describe a radical or ionic polymerization in which reversible deactivation of the chain carriers is an essential component of the mechanism, interrupting the propagation to secure control of one or more kinetic features of the polymerization or one or more structural aspects of the macromolecules formed, or both.
  2. The expression controlled radical polymerization is sometimes used to describe a radical polymerization conducted in the presence of reagents that lead to, e.g., atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), aminoxyl-mediated radical polymerization (AMRP), or reversible-addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization.
  3. Generally, the adjective 'controlled' should not be used without specifying the particular kinetic or structural feature that is subject to control.
See also: controlled cationic polymerization, controlled radical polymerization, controlled anionic polymerization, controlled ionic polymerization
Source:
PAC, 2022, 94, 1093. 'Terminology for chain polymerization (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 1099 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2020-1211)