Electrochemistry may seem an outsider to the field of polymer science and controlled radical polymerization. Nevertheless, several electrochemical methods have been used to determine the mechanism of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), using both a thermodynamic and a kinetic approach. Indeed, electron transfer reactions involving the metal catalyst, initiator/dormant species, and propagating radicals play a crucial role in ATRP. In this mini-review, electrochemical properties of ATRP catalysts and initiators are discussed, together with the mechanism of the atom and electron transfer in ATRP.1 Introduction2 Thermodynamic and Electrochemical Properties of ATRP Catalysts3 Thermodynamic and Electrochemical Properties of Alkyl Halides and Alkyl Radicals4 Atom Transfer from an Electrochemical and Thermodynamic Standpoint5 Mechanism of Electron Transfer in ATRP6 Electroanalytical Techniques for the Kinetics of ATRP Activation7 Electrochemically Mediated ATRP8 Conclusions
