Organic photo-catalyst for controlled synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate) using spirooxazine initiator

Photoinitiated metal-free controlled living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylates was investigated using the nuclear aromatic compound of pyrene. In the presence of photoredox catalysts and UV irradiation, spirooxazine initiator was used as initiator for polymerization of methyl methacrylate with good control over molecular weight in range of 10000 – 14000 g/mol and polydispersity below 1.5. Moreover, the obtained polymer also exhibited photochromic properties under UV irradiation both in solution and in solid state film. We are reliable believe that organic-based photoredox catalysts will enable new applications for controlled radical polymerizations in both small molecules and polymer chemistry.