Catalytic chain transfer

Catalytic chain transfer is a process that occurs during the polymerization of certain monomers, particularly in free radical polymerizations. This mechanism involves the transfer of a growing polymer chain from one polymer radical to another, effectively controlling the molecular weight and structure of the resulting polymer. In catalytic chain transfer, a catalyst or transfer agent facilitates the transfer of the growing chain end to a new center, which can be another growing polymer chain or a small molecule.