AbstractThree azobenzene-based dithiocarbamates, 2-(phenylazo-phenoxycarbonyl) prop-2-yl 9H-carbazole-9-carbodithioate (APCDT), 2-(4-nitro-phenylazophenoxy- carbonyl)prop-2-yl 9H-carbazole-9-carbodithioate (ANPCDT), 2-(4-cyanophenylazo- phenoxy-carbonyl)pro-2-yl 9H-carbazole-9-carbodithioate (ACPCDT), were synthesized and used as RAFT agents in the polymerizations of styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The results showed that APCDT, ACPCDT and ANPCDT were effective RAFT agents for the polymerization of St. In the case of MMA, the polymerization showed hybrid behavior. The different substitutes on azobenzene moiety in dithiocarbamates did not show obvious influence on the controllability of the polymerizations. The UV and fluorescence spectra of RAFT agents and obtained azobenzene-terminated polymers were investigated
