The reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer process and the strength and limitations of modeling: Comment on "the magnitude of the fragmentation rate coefficient"

There is appreciable uncertainty concerning the magnitude of the fragmentation rate coefficient of the intermediate radical in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizations. A large proportion of the experimental and theoretical evidence suggests that it is a stable species with a lifetime longer than 0.0001 s. This is particularly the case when the intermediate macro-RAFT radical is stabilized by a phenyl group attached to the radical center or has a poor leaving group. Although the occurrence to some extent of irreversible termination reactions cannot be excluded, we argue that such reactions are more likely to be a result of slow fragmentation of the intermediate macro-RAFT radical. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.